
Class _L5J3l2^^ 
Copyright N^ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 






i>T 



HISTORY 



O F 



W A R R I C K 



AND ITS 



PROMINENT PEOPLE 

From the Earliest Time to the Present; Together with 

Interesting- Biographical Sketches, Reminiscences, 

Notes, Etc. 



'^Uvo-v-. 






LLUSTRATED 



NINETEEN HUNDRED AND NINE 



CRESCENT PUBLICATION COMPANY 

B o o n \ i 1 1 e , Indiana '^9 



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TO T TI A T () X E 
Whose encouragenienl aiul aid resulted in this work 

THIS V O L U iM E 
is (iratefullv Dech'iated. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two COBies Received 

MAY 17 1909 

Copyriunt tntry g 
CLASS A[ ^ XXc. NO 



COPYRIGHT 1909 
BY MONTE M. KATTERJOHf 



PREFACE. 

Tliis volume is doubtless one with many faults, for no history 
extant is free from errors. Great care was taken in preparing the 
matter found herein, and all discrepancies were eradicated. I n- 
just criticism cannot rectify the errors that are sure to apjiear, and 
the author feels assured that all thoughtful jjeople will recognize 
and a])preciate the undertaking, also realize that a i)ublic benefit 
has been accomplished. 

The biographical sectioii is devoted to the record of men, 
living and dead. If it is incomplete, the fault cannot be justly 
attributed to the author. Many people were solicited, but on mone- 
tary grounds refused to support the publication. 

Those who read this book, and who know what constitutes 
a true history, will agree with the author that this volume is sujierior 
to any ever published in this county, inasmuch as its fine illustra- 
tions are a single history within themselves. Submitted to the 
people of Warrick County by 

MONTE M. KATTERJOHN. 
A|)iil, 1909. «£L.C^_ 



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Indian Traditions—Murder of Athe Meeks—The last of the Shawnees 

1ESS tlian one hundred years ago the territory that now comprises[]Warrick eounty 
was but a boundless field of trees, with here and there only a little path, beaten 
by wild animals, wending its way through the thick forest to some small stream 
^ or watering place. This whole section of country was then a wilderness, in which 
the red man reigned supreme, and doubtless the wigwams of the savages were 
located where what is now the streets of the capital of Warrick county. One hundred years 
ago the rays of civilization had not i>enetrated oiu' forest and tlie advent of tiie white man was 
in the future. 

Scattered along the banks of the Ohio river and in the interior of the now Warrick county 
were the rustic, artless wigwams of the savages. These Indians were principally Shawnees. 
Situated nt^ar the mouth of Cyjiress creek, on the banks of the Ohio, was an Indian village, 
\\hich, for many miles arountl, was their central point. Tradition says that this village was 
composed of some hundred wigwams and six hundred braves with their families, but its sudden 
disappearance upon the advent of the white man permits little to be known regarding it. 

The Indians that inhaliited this section of country were generally friendly and peaceable. 
While they had a few disturbances, the only white man known to have been cruelly murdered 
by them in this county was a farmer named Athe Meeks. 

On the banks of Pigeon creek, a short distance from where the iron bridge now stands, 
lived Settedown, Chief of the Shawnees, with his squaw and only son. Old Settedown was a 
large man and possessed great muscular strength. He preferred to live in sohtude and had 
erected his wigwam remote from the village of his tribe. He displayed remarkable skill at the 
Indian's shooting matches and was always willing to participate in the amusements of the wliite 
man. Tradition claims he was wealthy and owned many horses and much cattle besides an 
extensive farm, the eastern boundary of which is now Second street in Boonville. 

Athe Meeks was an old squatter who made a Hving for his large family by fishing, trap- 
ping and hunting. Meeks looked vipon Chief Settedown as a nuisance and the redskin retali- 
ated by looking upon Meeks as a trespasser. The Indian accused Meeks of molesting his traps 
and fishing nets, and Settedown was accused of stealing the squatter's pigs. The hatred be- 
came bitter and Settedown plotted for vengeance. 

Early one morning in May, 1811, several of Settedown's warriors led by "Big Bones" 
went to the cabin of ISIeeks, there surrounded it and patiently awaited the time when they might 
j)i oceed upon their purpose. The son of old man Meeks was the first to come outside the cabin 
and was attacked by the Indians, being shot through the wrist and severely tomahawked. 
Hearing the noise outside of the cabin the old squatter rushed outside only to be shot dead by 
"Big Bones." William Meeks who had surmised the whole affair rushed from the cabin and 
repaid "Big Bones" by shooting him and then started out in pursuit of the other redskins who 
had not taken to flight. The younger Meeks had crawled to a place of safety in the forest and 
remained there for several hours after William Meeks had returned to the cabin to fortify it. 
The boily of the older INIeeks had been dragged into the house and placet! under a bed. By 
crawling with his knees and elbows the younger Meeks made his way to the cabin and secured 
admission. 

As soon as news reached the white settlement at French Island a band of settlers started 
out for the Indian village to secure justice for the recent outrage perpetrated. Tradition has 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



two entire! V (lifFereiit stories of tlie affair from here to tlie death of Chief Settedown. 
Arriviiif^ at the Indian caini) the men found it deserted, ei<;;lit hoiii.s or more having elapsed 
since the murder and tlie Indians hud sufficient time to f^et safely Ijeyond the reach of their pur- 
suers. However, the party secreted themselves in auil)ush surioundinf? the deserted cam]) to 
watch for the return of the Indians. \\ nijflitfall an Indian, wl.o had Keen out huntin<r for two 
or three days, retiu'ne<l to the camp. He liad not been aware of what had been done in his ali- 
.sence and upon beholdin<j the lonely and deserted camp stood motioide.ss with astonishment 
for several moments. He was surjirised l)y the whites and taken a prisoner. He was placed 
in a log cabin for kee|)ing over the night but was found dead the following morning, and 
Uiiliam Meeks is the one su])posed to have killed him. A small oi)ening, just large enough to 




STREET SCENE IN BOONVILLE IN 1860 



allow one to thru.st the nui/.zle of a mu.sket was in one side of the cabin, and it was in this 
manner that the Indian was killed. This is one .story of the affair. 

'I'lie other is that the |)arty of men arrived at the .settlement and found Chief Settedown 
and son, captured them and placed them in the cabin; that Settedown was killed in the man- 
nt-r described ai)ove and that tlie redskin's son was j)ermitted to return to his mother. Tlie 
Shawnees were never heard of again in this locality. The son of old Settedown, it is claimed 
joined the forces of old Tecmn.seh and the IVophet and were doubtless participants in the war 
of 1812. "Hig Hones" l)efore dying, after l)eing shot by William Meeks, crawled to the fork of 
an old tree where he died. A year later his bones were found by a meml)er of the Meeks family 
and his skidl was used as a drinking cuj) and his other bones as mallets and hammers. 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



Reduction of Territory — Naming the County Ratliff Boon, 
Representative — John Sprinkle, first settler Darlington 
made the Capital ""Baily's Roost.'' 



first 



Warrick county is situated in the soutliwestern part of Imiiaiia, and is hounded on the 
east l)y Ijittle Pigeon creek and Spencer county, on the west by Vanderburgh, on the north by 
Pike and Gibson, on the south by the Ohio river. Its area is about 388 square miles, or 
'•248,3'-20 acres. This is tlie Warric-k county of today. The Warrick county of nearly a hundred 
years ago was as follows: "All that territory whic'h lies south of a line commencing at a point 
on the Wabash river at the southwest corner of Gibson county, and running east to the western 




OLD WARRICK COUNTY COURT HOUSE RAZED IN 1904 



line of Harrison comity, thence south to the Ohio river." -I'liis included all the territory which 
now comprises the counties of Pose}', Vanderburgh, W^arrick, Spencer, Perry and a portion of 
Crawford. 

The rise and decline of W'arrick county follow in quick succes.sion. Scarcely had it 
risen as the pioneer county of Indiana Territory ere the decline of its dominions was marked 
by the o gaiiization of a county on the east, one on the west, and so Oii, reducing its territory on 
all sides, until Warrick with its limits as above stated is left. 

The county was named in honor of Captain Jacob Warrick, who was killed in the mem- 
orable battle at Tippecanoe. Little is known regarding the life of Warrick, except that he was 
one of the heroes at Tijipecanoe, where he distinguished himself by his bravery. Gen. William 
H. Harrison, who was a personal friend of Warrick's, has said the following in reference to his 
death: "Warrick was shot immediately through the body. Being taken to the surgery to be 
dressed, as soon as if was over, being a man of great bodily vigor and able to walk, lie insisted 
on going back to head his company, although it was evident he had but few hours to live." Such 



Wakkick and Its 1'kominent People. 



was the man in honor of wlioni Warrick county was named, and it was hnt a fittinj^ tribute to 
liini whose memory tlie citizens of Indiana will always revere. 

'I'lie county, as orfjanized nnder an act of the Territorial Lefjrislatnre of 1813, embraced 
too mudi territory, and as the jjopnlation increased the ideographical greatness was reduced. 
In 1814 the Legislature pa.ssed an act creating out of its territory the County of Posey on the 
west, and Perry on the east. This limited Warrick to what are now Vanderburgh, Warrick 
and Spencer counties. The capital was located at Darlington, then a promising .settlement 
near the Ohio river, four miles above Newbiirg. 

On December 4, 1815, the first census of Warrick comity was forwarded to the House 
of Representatives of the Territory of Indiana. The population was enumerated at 1,415. 

Immediately after Indiana became a State the people of Warrick county held an election. 




ANOTHti 



lill!, AAKRICK COUNTY COURT HOUSE 



On the l.'Jth day of May, 1816, Daniel Grass was ciiosen to repre.sent Warrick county in the 
constitutional convention which convened at Corydon on the 10th of June following, for the 
purpose of framing a new constitution for the new State. The residence of Mr. Grass was 
in what is now (irass township, Spencer county. He was distinguished in the convention as 
an active and valual)Ie member, and was on three of the most important conunittees. 

On the first >ronday in .\ugust, 181C. occurred the first County and State election under 
the new form of government. This election resulted in Daniel (irass being elected State Senator 
from the counties of Po.sey, Perry and Warrick. Hatliff Boon was elected Representative from 
Warrick in the State Legislature. This was the debut of Ratlitt" lioon in public life. He was 
afterwards elected to various offices of honor, among them that of Representative to Congress 
for several terms and Lieutenant-Governor of the State. 

In 1818 the Legislature passed a bill organizing the coimties of Vanderburgh on the 



W-\RRicK AND Its Prominent People. 



west, and Spencer on tlie east, of Warrick, tluis reducing the latter to its pi-esent limits. How- 
ever, Warrick still remains one of the larii;est counties in the State. 

The first white man .saitl to have settled in Warrick county was John Sprinkle, a native 
of Pennsylvania. He founded the town of Sprinkles1)urjr and which is now known as Newburg. 
Mr. Sprinkle removed from his native state to Henderson county, Kentucky, in the year 1712 
where he lived until 1803, when he removed to where Newburg now stands. During his resi- 
dence in Kentucky he had received the title of Major of the State Militia, and was a man of 
honor and high social standing in his community. He died in 18"21. Felty Hay and James 
Iauu also settled in the vicinity of Sprinklesburg shortly following the advent of Sprinkle in 
Warrick county. 

A man whose entire baggage consisted of an axe, gun and a limited supply of ammuni- 
tion was Baily Anderson, one of the first jirominent settlers of the present Wiirrick county. While 
l)uilding his cabin he lived in a tree. Tiie tree was long afterwards known as "Hailv's Roost." 




BRACKENRIDGE HOMESTEAD, RAZED IN 1908, WHERE LINCOLN STUDIED LAW 

By fastening jjieces of timber across two substantial branches of the tree, and spreading over 
them the skins of wild animals, Baily Anderson fovmd repose in his pioneer home. Following 
Anderson were four other families, namely the Briscoes, Sheltons, Vanadas and Arnolds. A son, 
INIr. Vanada, still lives at the present day, being but a mere boy when he came to Warrick county 
with his father. ^lany other families soon followed and immigration as yet has not ceased. 



How the Townships were named— Their locations and settlement of. 

ANDERSON. 

Anderson town.ship is situated in the southern part of the county, on highly elevated 
though arable land, and borders on the Ohio river. The first settlement was made in this town- 



10 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



sliip in tlie year 180;j In- Baily Anderson, in lionor of wlioin it was named. Amonjj the early 
settlers were Solomon Vanada, William IJiisc-oe and Joseph Arnold. 

BOON. 

Boon, the central and largest townshij) in the county, was one of the earliest settled. Its 
first resident was Rat lift' Boon, first re{)resentative of Warrick county in the Lei^fislature, and 
later Congressman for si.xteen years, and twice elected Lieutenant-(iovernor, serving a part of 
one term as acting Governor. In honor of Mr. Boon the township was given his name. Among 
those settling shortly after Boon were Hudson Hargrave, Joseph DeForest, William Webb, Ed- 
ward Baker and Jacol) Johnsoii. 




WARRICK COUNTY JAIL, MAIN STREET, BOONVILLE, IND 

CA:\rrBELT.. 

This township which lies in the western part of the county was named in honor of its 
first resident, Thomas Campbell, a man much esteemed by his fellow citizens, and on whom 
was bestowed various offices of trust and honor. It is claimed that John Luce was the first set- 
tler of Campbell township, but no authority goes to prove out the claim. Isham West, Jo.sei)li 
McDonakl and Philip Miller located in the same vicinity soon after the settling of Campbell. 



(iHEEK. 

Richard Greer located in Greer town.ship in 18'2.) and it is fioni him that the townshij) 
derived its name. Larkin Birchfield was also an early settler in (Jreer township, locating there 
in 1827. Greer is located in the northwest corner of the comity west of Hart and north of (^imp- 
bell. George Taylor and Jose[)h Fields were two of the early settlers. 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



11 



HAHT. 

From Associate Jiulife of the Circuit Court, John Ilart, Hart township derives its name. 
This tt)\vnshiji is the northwestern part wf the county and Ijvnnville is the principal town located 
therein. James Hinman settled in the townshi]) in 1814. Elijali Boyd, Charles ]Mor<fan and 
Henry Hopkins were three of the early .settlers. 

LANE. 

This township adjoins Hart, Owen and Pigeon townships, in the northwestern portion 
of the count}' and was named in honor of Gen. Josej)h I>ane, who once rejiresented Warrick 
county in the State Senate and has a national reputation as a Mexican War veteran, and was 




WEST SIDE OF BOONVILLE PUBLIC SQUARE 



once Governor of Oregon, and a candidate for Vice-President of the United States on the Breck- 
inritlge ticket in 18G0. The township is often called "Little Lane" on account of its smallness. 
The first settlers were Daniel Cook, Jasper Hanby and David Whittinghill. 

OWEN. 
Owen township, which lies adjoining Lane, Boon, Hart and Pigeon townships, was 
organized in 1848 out of the territory of Skelton. Robert Dale Owen was honored by this 
townshij), which took his name. The first residents of the townsiiip were the families of 
l*hillips and Gentry. Matthew Gentry, ex-county commissioner, settled in tliis locality in 
1822. 

OHIO. 

From the broad and rolling Ohio, does Ohio township, lying in the southwe.stern part 
of the county, get its name. The township was first settled by John Sprinkle in 1803. Early 
settlers were John V. Darby, Gaines H. Roberts and Felty Hay. 



Vl 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



PIGEOxN. 

I'ifjeon t<)\viislii|) llvs in tlic iiortlieasfern corm'r of the coiinty, and is indebted to Little 
l'i<i;e()n creek, on whicli it horders, lor its name. 'I'lie first settlement in tlie township was made 
by Geo. I'ayior in IS'il, and liis brother, John i'aylor, came in 18'-2.'5. Other early settlers were 
John (ireenaway, ^^o:■}^an Chinn, C. H. Allen. 

SKELTON. 

As an lienor to Judge Zachariah Skelton, a highly esteemed pioneer, Skelton township 
is named. This township is situated in the eastern jwrt of the county. The territory of this 
townshij) originally covered one third of the county, but it has been reduced by the organization 
of Lane, Owen and Pigeon townships on the north of its dominions. Judge Skelton was Asso- 
ciate and Probate Judge successively during a period of twenty-one years. The earliest settlers 
of the township were Judge Skelton, Lsham Kelly, Isaac Powers and Thomas Ilerston. 









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BAST MAIN STREET. LOOKING EAST. BOONVILLE, IND. 

Boonville in embryo— How named— The Jails Court Houses 
Burglary — Briefs on Boonville. 



Boonville, the seat of Justice, is situated near the center of the county. On May 1.5, 
1.S18, the official plat of Hoonville was recorded by Chester Elliott, county surveyor. The town 
was given the name of "Boonville," in honor of Jesse Boon, father of Ratliff" Boon, in acknowl- 
edgment of liberal donations of land which he had offered the commissioners when they were 
I)ros|)ecting for a site on which to locate the town. It has been asserted and is generally believed 
by the peoj)le of Boonville that the town was named after Ratlifi' Boon. I'his is a mistake. 



Warrick .\jsid Its Prominent People. 



13 



Boon township is named after Ratliff Boon, but records show that it was in lionor of his father 
tliat Boonville took her name. The story regarding the city being named after RatUflf Boon 
has obtained credence ujion mere supjiosition. 

The land which Jesse Boon offered was situated one mile west of where Boonville now 
stands and why the commissioners refused to accept it is a mooted question. 

Boonville in embryo was a town of great promise. Darlington was not a convenient point 
for the seat of Ju.stice, where it was then located, and, therefore, after the organization of the 
counties of Spencer on the east and \^auderbiu-gh on the west of the territory of Warrick, the 
Legislature passed an act in 1818 removing the capital of the county from Darhngton to Boon- 
ville. Darlington, the former ca])ital which had risen like Aladdin's palace, now as rapidly 
(IccHned, and tlie once i)ronu'sing \illiige is nothing but a farm. Only one t)uil(ling now stands 




WEST WALNUT STREET, LOOKING WEST, BOONVILLE. IND 



to mark the spot where Darlington once stood and that is the old log cabin court house. The 
to]) of this cabin has fallen in and the building is slowly going to ruin. 

On the 4th, oth and 6th of June, 1818, John Hargrave, county agent, made the fir.st sale 
of town lots at i)ublic auction. There was a lively demand for property in the new capital, and 
consequently the value of it was greatly enhanced. A large number were jjresent at this sale, 
some from abroad, and it is said there was close competitioir by the purchasers, and a lively 
interest manifested, though no ill feeling jirevailed. Fifty-six lots brought $.'3,057.7o. 

The town at this time consisted of a few log cabins situated j)iomiscuously on a hill, on 
tlie smnmit of which the court house now stands. The oldest of these cabins stood near what 
is now the northeast comer of the Public Square. Tradition tells us that the citizens were fre- 
quently annoyed at night by the wolves that barked and growled aioimd their lude cabins. 

The earhest residents of Boonville were Nathaniel Hart, Adam Young, John Upham, 
James McCulla, Samuel Steele, Dr. Alva Pasco and the Graham family. Dr. Alva Pasco was 



l-l 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



the first jihysician to locate in Boonville. He is said to have been one of tlie best of pioneer 
(loc-tors, a jrood man, and to liave enjoyed an extensive practice. He died in 181^4. 

In 1S18 a small and rudely constructed log cabin was erected near the Public Square, 
in which the county courts were held, but after court was held in it a few times it was found to 
be very inconnnodious and the erection of a brick court house, to be thirty-five feet square, was 
ordered by the county commissioners. However, the brick court house was never built. The 
enterprise was abandoned by general consent, and instead a frame building was erected, the 
architecture of which was, to say the least, very novel. The building was never fully com- 
])ieted, having no roof and thus it was used only in the summer. 

On the first Monday in October, 1818, the county agent awarded the contract to John 
I pham to build a county jail. For some cause the jail was built according to the plans laid down. 




VISTA MAIN STREET, LOOKING WEST. BOONVILLE. IND. 



but was found to be so incoMMuodious that it was abandoned and a brick jail erected on Syca- 
more, between Third and Fourth streets. It, too, was soon removed and a third one erected 
in its place. This jail was two stories in height, Ijuilt of brick and was nnich larger and stronger 
than tiie jirevious one, although |)risoners frequently escajied from it. It still stands but is used 
as a residence. 'I^he walls stand as originally laid, Init the inside furnishings were burned out 
in li)()8. Another jail was liuilt when the last mentioned was abandoned and .still serves the 
purpose, being safe and durable. Several years ago it was entered by a mob of masked men, 
a negro taken from witln'n and hanged in the court hou.se yard. The infuriated mob battered a 
liole in the walls of the jail with a telepiione pole. 

In 1830, when the first census of Boonville was taken, the jjoimlation numbered eighty- 
seven, while that of its rival — Newburg — was only thirty-seven. At this time the town contained 



W.VRRicK AND Its Prominent People. 



15 



about thirty houses, scattered over considerable g;roun(l, and with a partially comj)leted court 
house squatting on the hill, which the town surrounded, Boonville had begun to assume aspects 
of a progressive settlement. 

The first cluwch in Boonville was erectetl by the Congregationalists, and was situated 
just north of where the Cumberland Presbyterian Church now stands. It was a small frame 
structure, and after its desuetude as a place of worship, was used for a time as a blacksmith shoj). 

In 1836 the unfinished court house was removed and a new brick building, forty feet 
square and two stories high, was erected in its j^lace. Tlie offices of county clerk and treasurer 
were in the second story. Comparetl with modern edifices of the kind, this court house would 
have somewhat of an antiquated appearance. 

In a few years this building also became too small to accommodate its litigant patrons 
anil the old red court house which was torn down to make room for the present edifice was built 
in 1851. The present court house was built in 1!)04 at an expen.se of $75,000.00. 




HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING, BOONVILLE IND. 



The first newspaper published in Boonville was the Boonville Tribune, tiie j)rinting 
material of which was removed from Newburg in 1857. The Tribune was owned by a stock 
company composed of Dr. W. L. Barker and others. Edward White was its editor for a while, 
l)ut he was soon succeeded in that capacity by Chas. Dalrymplc, who, after a sliort time, sokl 
The 'IVibune to Jolni Fleming, a i)rinter, and Judge J. W. H. Moore. The name of the paper 
was changed to the Boonville Kntjuirer, and Judge Moore assumed editorial control. Politically 
the Enquirer advocateil the principles oC tli(> Democratic party, and, being the only pajier pub- 
lished in the county, was very i)rosperous. In December, 1865, John Fleming was succeeded 
in its jjublication by E. L. Crawford, the paper being then conducted under the firm of Moore 
and Crawford. In January, 1868, being aged and in feeble health, he retired from the editorial 



10 



Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 



management of the Enquirer and sold his interest in it to Thomas H. Martin. Craw-ford and 
Martin continued its pubhcation, with Martin as editor. In March, 1870, Wilham Swint pur- 
chased the Enquirer from them and assumed full control as editor and publisher. Mr. Swint 
owned the paper several years when G. Homer Hazen, a young lawyer purchased the stock 
and has been its editor and manager ever since. This paper uufler his management is one of 
the most prosperous rural weeklies in the State. 

Up to 1866 educational matters received h'ttle attention in BoonviJlc. The only .schools 
known were the subscription schools taught about three months in each year, to which parents 
would subscribe a stipulated amount as tuition for the instruction of their children. In 1860 
the Boonville graded school was instituted and has been continued ever since. There are two 
buil(h'ngs, over twenty-one teachers, high scliool officials included, and nearly a thousand |)Upils 
attend. More regarding the sciiool instructors will be found under another ca])tiou. 




GUM STREET SCHOOL BUILDING, BOONVILLE, IND 



Monday night, April 1, 1867, the county treasurer's office in the court house was forcibly 
entered and robbed of $8,000, $6,000 in greenbacks and $'■^,000 in county orders. When the 
r<)bl)ery was discovered and made known tlic town was tinown into a pandemonium. Groups 
of astonished men would gather on the streets and discuss it, and the news of the daring out- 
rage was a shock to the entire connnunity. James II. Masters, county treasurer, offered a re- 
ward of $500 for the recovery of the money, and $500 for tlie ai)|)rehension of the robbers, $1,000 
for botii, but no clue to the tliieves or the money was ol)tained. Following this event came a 
series of similar occurrences. Severaliiouses fell j^rey to incendiaries and stores were burglarized. 
The village seemed infested by a band of ilaring villians, and the people were now tiioroughly 
aroused to vigilance. Watchmen patroled tiie streets night "after night for weeks afterward 
and every person was on the alert. However, beyond the hanging of a supposed incendiary 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



17 



until almost dead in tryin<i; to extort a confession of guilt from him, this detective force failed 
to bring to justice any of the criminals, but their vigilance had the effect of preventing further 
(lejiredations. 

In 184'i a meeting was held in Boonville and the subject of a railroad was talked of. The 
subject died at the meeting. And again in 18(}8 another meeting regarding the railroad question 
was held and it was decided to give the sum solicited by the railroad company. However, the 
project was abandoned and the tax refunded, thus the end of Boonville's railroad No. sJ. But 
No. 3 was a reality. After much talk and a mature boom the Lake Erie, Evansville & South- 
western Railway was completed to Boonville, a distance of seventeen miles, on Monday, Aug. 
4th, 1873. The last rail was laid at two o'clock in the afternoon, and at three o'clock the first 
locomotive — tlie wonder of the town — arrived in Boonville with a large delegation from Evans- 




SOUTH SECOND STREET, BOONVILLE, IND. 



ville. There was much rejoicing over Boonville's new road. The exten.sion was originally 
intended to run to Bellefontaine, Ohio, but until the year 1880 was not extended beyond Boon- 
ville. In 1879 tlie name was changed to the Evansville & Eastern R. R. In the fall of 1880 
the Local Trade Railroad was built from Boonville to Gentryville, where it connects with the 
Rockport and Himtingburg line, and the Evansville & Eastern and Local Trade Railroad Com- 
panies were consolidated on Nov. 15, 1880. 

Three j-ears ago the Evansville Suburban and Newburg Railway was completed and 
the profits that have been reaped by local business men, brought about by the construction of 
this electric line which makes hourly trips to and from Evansville, have been manifold. The 
electric road enables the farmer to receive high market values for his products at a nominal 
cost of delivery. The Evansville Suburban and Newburg railroad which has an extension 
from Evansville to Newburg as well as Boonville, has excellent management. The line is con- 
sidered the finest traction road in the West. The Evansville Railways Company has a line passing 



18 



Warrick vVnd Its Prominent People. 







f^l -^ 


pHH 






pi 






- ^ 



MATTHEWSON OPERA HOUSE 



tlirough Warrick county, running from Evans\411e 
to Newburg and thence to Rockport. This com- 
pany has beautiful cars and rock ballast roads, 
making riding a pleasure. The E. S. & N. hue 
was extended to BoonAille in 1906. 

In November, 1874, the Boon\ille National 
Bank was organized with a capital of $50,000. Li 
1895 the People's Bank secured a charter and 
began business. W^ L. Barker is the present 
president and L. W. Bohn is the cashier. The 
Farmers and Merchants Bank was organized in 
1903 and is well managed. The banking capital 
in Boonville is $175,000 and is supplied by the 
three banks, besides the building and loan associa- 
tions. There are several other banks in Warrick 
( oiuity, there being one at Elberfeld, one at Tenny- 
son, one at Lynnville and one at Newburg. 

In November, 1875, appeared the first number 
of the Boonville Standard, M. B. Crawford, editor, 
and the Boon^^lle Standard Publishing Company, 
jniblishers. The Standard is the organ of the Re- 
pul)lican ])arty in this county, and was originally 
ownetl }\y a stock company. During a period 
of three years, from 187() to 1879, it was owned and edited successively by Cra^vford 
and Berkshire, J. B. Berkshire, Wertz and Wagstaff, Wertz and Stinson and C. F. Wertz. In 
July, 1879, C. F. Wertz sold the paper to I. E. Youngblood. During the first nine months of 
the latter's proprietorshij) it was edited by W. W. Admire, who was succeeded in that capacity 
by Mr. Youngblood himself. In establishing the Standard many difficulties, to which all new 
enterprises are subject, were encountered, and for a time it was in an unhealthy state, but it has 
run the gauntlet of these trials and was again placed on solid foundation. In July, 1881, Mr. 
Youngblood was succeeded in the management of the Standard by R. M. Graham, who was 
succeeded a few years later in ownership by James M. Wood. C. W. Bemiett then came into 
possession of the paper. 

The Boonville Rej)ublican appeared in 1904 and was owned and edited by Tlios. E. 
Downs. In 1900 C. H. Johnson purchased a half interest in the Republican, and a few months 
later the new firm purchased the Standard and ])ublished the jxiper inider the caption of the 
"Republican Standard." Later on the word Re])ublican was (lroj)i)ed out entirely and the 
paper is now known as the Boonville Standard, Downs and Johnson, publishers. This paper 
boasts of the largest circulation of any country weekly south of Indianapolis. 

In 1905 Boonville c-hanged from a town to a city, an election being held that fixed it so. 
The city faction won by a large majority. It then became the duty of the peo|)le to hold an 
election to decide who should be the officials. John Heinzle, Democrat, was elected mayor 
over Chas. H. John.son, Republican, by a majority of 47. 

The present city council is composed of the following men: John Derr. William Veeck, 
J. Thornburg (iwiii Gowen, John Koegel and Jesse Fioytl. Andrew Batteiger is city clerk, 
Lenpha Folsom city attorney and Gustavus Schreiber, city treasurer. 

During the last ten years the growth of Boonville has been rapid for an interior town. 
New business establishments have sprung up here and there, dwelling houses have been erected 
on all hands, and the population now stands considerably above 5,000. The Boonville of today 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



19 



offers to the man in search of a home, the retired business man or farmer, an ideal dwelHno' 
place. All that the people here ask is "Come to Boonville." 



Consolidation of Newhurg and Sprinklesburg—Newburg commer- 
cially— Delany Academy— History of Newhurg Newspapers 

In 1817 Chester Elliott laid out for John Sprinkle, the Town of Sprinklesburg, which com- 
{X)sed the territory within the following limits in what is now Newburg: Posey street on the north, 
Monroe street on the east, Ohio river on the south and Washington street on the west. Al- 




EAST SIDE COURT SQUARE. BOONVILLE. IND. 

tlioiigh officially recorded as Sprinklesl)urg, for several years the village was known as ^Motmt 
Prospect, and even in some legal documents such as the sale of land, etc., this name was used. 

In 1818 the county commissioners granted a license to Jacob Keel to run a ferry across 
the Ohio river, opposite the foot of Monroe street in Mount Prospect. 

The first men engaging in mercantile business in this place were Abner I^uce and Abraham 
M. Phelps. Also among the early business men were Chester Bethell, William Shelby, Albert 
Hazen and W. Fuquay. 

Abner Luce, on October "23, 1829, jiurchased the land lying ea.st of State street, which 
is now known as Gray's enlargement, and had the town of Newburg laid out. Thus, two towns, 
Newburg and Sprinklesburg were located within a stone's throw of each other, yet the two con- 
solidated, although called towns, literally speaking, would hardly have been entitled to the name. 
Lying between these two towns were about three acres of ground of a triangular shape, with 



20 



Waebick and Its Promijvknt People. 



the appearance of a wedge cutting in twain that which should be one. In 1837 the Legislature 
passed an act consoUdating the two under the name of Newburg, the wedge included. 

The growth of Newburg up to 1830, when the first census was taken, was very slow. At 
that time the population numbered only thirty-seven, and a few small houses scattered along the 
river bank constituted the town. However, during the next thirty years, it improved and jiro- 
gressed far more rapidly. 

Delany Academy, chartered by the State, was organized in 1844, under the supervision 
of the Presbyterian church which was estabhshed in Newburg in 1837. Rev. Benjamin Hall, 
Abraham M. Phelps and other influential members of the Presbyterian denomination were in- 
strumental in the securing of the academy at that place. It was conducted by thorough and learned 
instructors. Under this efficient management it attained a wide popularity, and was attended 
by a large number of pupils from the surrounding villages. Delanj' Academy was of great 




NORTH SIDE COURT SQUARE, BOONVILLE. IND. 



benefit to Newburg, both pecuniarily and educationally, but after the establishment of the 
Newburg graded schools the academy was suspended. 

The first newspaper i)ublished in Warrick county was the Chronicle, established at New- 
l)vu-g in 1848, R. S. Terry, editor and iniblisher. Politically, the Chronicle was Whig. In 1850 
it was succeeded by the Warrick Democrat, Calvin C. Frery. editor and publisher. It was an 
advocate of Breckenridge Democratic principles. In 1857 the Democrat was removed to Boon- 
ville. 

In 1850 the first coal mine known as "Phelps Coal Bank" was opened on the banks of 
the Ohio river. The enterprise proved profitable, and the opening of other mines soon followed, 
which were also remunerative to the proprietors. These mines now ship a large amoimt of coal 
to manufacturers and consumers along the river, besides supplying steamboats and the home 
demand. A large number of persons are employed in the mines. 



Wakric'K and Its Prominent Pk-ple. 



21 



In 1854 the i)ublication of the Newburg Tribune was commenced, with Isaac Falls as 
editor and publisher. It was "Know-Nothing" politically, and ceased pubhcation at the end of 
one year. The publication of the Warrick Democrat was again commenced a few months after 
its suspension and contiiuied luitil ISC^, when it again suspended. 

On May 9, 1867, the i)ub]icatioii of the Warrick Herald, an anti-rebel Kuklux Demo- 
crat paper was commenced with Jacob V. Admire as editor and publisher. The Herald was 
ably edited and flourished for a while, but was finally forced to suspend from want of sufficient 
patronage. Several other papers have appeared and disappeared in Newburg during the last 
twenty years. 

Newburg at the present time is enjoying a boom, many new business houses are being 
built, and everything in the way of thrift and business is taking place there now. The town 
has one railroad, the Evansville Suburban and Newburg line, an electric road, and which is 




SOUTH SIDE COURT SQUARE. BOONVILLE, IND. 

very beneficial to the peojjle of the town. The Evansville Railways Company is also building 
an extension from Evansville to Newburg to connect with the Rockport branch. The popula- 
tion of Newburg is considerably above 800; it has a graded school and a commissioned high 
school. The people who have gone to Newburg to live have found that in her natural resources 
alone Newburg has her greatest wealth. 



Other Towns in Warrick County — History of Darlington. 



The once promising village of Darlington was situated about four miles above Newburg, 
and less than a mile from the Ohio river. In 1814 the county seat of Warrick county was removed 
from EvansNille to Darlington, which gave the latter considerable importance in county affairs. 



22 



Wahrick and Its Prominent People. 



On July 26, 1816, the official plat of Darlington was recorded. Being the capital of a county 
covering a large area of rich land, and as a commercial ]Joint admirably situated, Darlington 
was then regarded as a town of great promise, and pioneer speculators were eager to own land 
there. Town lots sold readily, and it is recorded that Hon. Ratliff Boon, then living upon a 
farm which is the present site of Boonville, on Nov. 15, 1816, paid $12 for lot No. 42. Daniel 
Decrow built the old log cabin court house at Darlington, the county paying him the sum of 
$290. Today the old cabin is in ruins and is all that is left of Warrick's former capitol. 

In 1818 the seat of justice was removed from Darlington to Boonville by enactment of 
the Legislature and the owners of land in the former place were granted the privilege of taking, 
in lieu thereof, lots in the latter. To Darlington this was a death warrant. The "town," consisting 
of the court house and only a few dozen cabins, quickly disappeared, and the ground is now tilletl 
by farmers, all eviflences of a town or settlement having long passed away. 



t 



fe' 



'Sii'i?, 



"k 






■'-'^^ 



■m - 






■-^^3._■~ ^*- 











PRETTY WINTER SCENE IN BOONVILLE 



MILLERSBURG, a village .situated in Campbell townsiiip, about nine ami a half miles 
northeast of Boonville, was laid out for the heirs of Philip Miller, one of the earliest settlers of 
the township. The village is chiefly noted for its early enterprise and what it once was. In 
1824 Philip ]\Iiller built a small mill at this point, but in those ihiys it was regarded as a great 
enterprise. Luke Grant also Imilt a mill tiicre, hence the a|)|>u)|)riateness of the village's name 
is i)erceptible for more reasons than one. It was truly a Miller's burg. I'iie first merchant 
of whom anything is remembered is John Rasor. Sanuiel Parker and Moses Condit were 
the first to teach school in this vicinity. In 1859 the M. E. church was erected there, and in 
1878 a school house. The old Wabash and Erie (^mal passed by tiiis place, and at the time 
of its operation, Miller.sburg was most prosperous. The abandonment of the canal and remote 
situation of the village from any commercial outlet have been imj)ediments to its growth. Its 
population is 150. 



Wakrkk and Its Prominent People. 



23 



LYNNVILLE, situated about ten miles north of Boonville, in Hart township, was laid 
out by John Iaiiu alter wlioni it was named. Lynn opened a saddle and harness shop in the 
place in 1839, and Daniel Zimmerman opened a store in 1840. Amono; the early business men 
were the Kirkpatrick brothers, Vanaiia bi others, James JNIcGill and Hubbard Taylor. The 
first church was erected by the Methodists. The village, which is one of the largest in the county, 
was almost burned down in 190(5. It has a good representation of the various business pursuits 
and has one flour mill. Population, 4(j7. 

FOLSOMVIIjLE, lying in tiie southeastern part of Owen township, about eight miles 
northwest of Boonville, was laid out on land owned by Riley Rhoads and Benjamin Folsom, 
on the !27th day of January, 1859. The first to engage in business here was Daniel Rhoads. 
It is declined in j)rominence diu-ing the last fifteen years and its population today is only 160, 
while eighteen j'ears ago it was above two lumdred. 




A VIEW OF MAIN STREET IN BOONVILLE IN WINTER 



SELMN, lying in the northeast part of Pigeon township, fifteen miles northeast of Boon- 
ville was laitl out on land owned by George Taylor. Originally it was called Taylorville in honor 
of INIr. Taylor, but there being another jost office in Iniliana bearing the same name, Taylorville 
was changed to Polk Patch and again to Selvin in 1881. Among those who first engaged in 
business at Selvin were George Taylor, Mark Reavis, Henry Evans and Joshua Whitney. A 
flouring mill was established in Selvin at an early date by Messrs. Oatly and Day, and later owned 
by J. F. Katterjohn, ex-auditor of Warrick county, now deceased. I'opulation 150. This 
village had a population of "250 twenty years ago. 

OTHER TOWNS — Yankeetown, situated in Anderson township, ten miles soutJi of 
Boonville, was laid out by Thomas Day, on Aj^ril 9, 1858. 

The early inhabitants were principally Yankees, hence the name. The Evansville Rail- 
ways Company's Rockport branch passes through Yankeetown, which has a population of "ZOQ. 



24 



Warrick and Its 1*ro.\unent People. 



Elberfeld and Tennyson are both enterprising villages of Warrick county. Both have 
hanks with capital of $25,000 and also the complete line of business institutions that go to make 
thriving little towns. Tennyson is located on the Louisville extension of the Southern Railroad. 
The poi^ulation of Tennyson is 302 and of Elberfeld, 200. 

Chandler is another enter]>rising little town. It has a population of nearly 205, and 
most of the people there are miners, caused by the large number of coal mines that have been 
opened up in that vicinity during the past five years. 

Warrick's First Mail Route—Drilling for Salt in 1814— Grinding Corn 

In 1812 the first mail route through this section of country was estabhshed, which was 
from New Harmony to Louisville, via the present site of Boonville. The mail was carried on 
horseback by John Williams, two weeks being rec|uired to make the round trip. The carrier 




METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. BOONVILLE, IND. 

was frequentl}' delayed by bad weatherand high water. The letters and parcels were often soiled 
and it was almost an impossibility to read them. Later the mail route was changed so it in- 
cluded Evansville, and later ran from Evan.sville to Corydon, through Boonville. 

In 1814 a party of men began drilUng for salt at the mouth of Cypress creek. The well 
is there today and bubbles up .salt water. The men did not get sati.sfactory results and aban- 
doned the ])roject. The well is located on the farm of Dr. Wilson. 

Bread made of flour from wheat was almost unknown in the early days of Warrick's 
history. The first bread of the kind was used about 1819 when a trader from Louisville came 
down the river with flour and exchanged it for chickens. Corn was ground at a "hor.se mill" 
in Spencer county, from which the people mafle corn bread. For years it was the custom to 
take corn to Kentucky to be ground. 



Wabrick and Its Prominent People. 



25 



Early Warrick County Courts^ A Trial in Pioneer Days 

The earliest records show that court was first held at the home of Baily Anderson, who 
had settled in Anderson township in 1803. On the 14th day of June, 1813, the first court was 
called to order at the home of Anderson, when were present, the Hon. Benjamin Park, Esq., 
the first representative in the National Congress; John Johnson, attorney for the U. S.; N. C. 
Claypool, clerk; Sam R. Mars, sheriff. Many ludicrous things happened in the early days of 
the Warrick court. Aca.se dated Sept. 13, 1823, reads, "Ratliff Boon vs. Joseph DeForest, 
debt 75 cents." The verdict was rendered in favor of the plaintiff. 

The lawyers for a criminal in a certain case asked the judge to throw the case out of cow rt, 
since there was not sufficient evidence to convict. 

This is exactly wliat the judge did. He said. "Well, ez the evidents ain't sufficient to 




SOUTHERN RAILWAY STATION, BOONVILLE, IND. 



konvik the man, I'll throw the whole bizness out," and rising from his seat he threw the docu- 
ments concerning the case out of the window and discharged the prisoner. 



Warrick in the War—Morgan's Guerrillas— The Home Guards 

At the beginning of the war with IVIexico, many young men from the j)ioneer comity of 
Indiana hurried away to join the army. Records show that Warrick county was well repre- 
.sented in the war in which "Old Hickory" participated. 

Warrick county was one of the foremost in responding to the call for soldiers to put down 
the rebellion in 1861. Being a border county, the danger and excitement were consequently very 
great. Those who were unable to go to the front and participate in the trials and dangers of 



id Warrick and Its PROiuxENX People. 



battle, served as home guards at home. However, further than being badly frightened by Col. 
John Morgan's guerrillas. Warrick suffered no intrusion from the enemy. 

Warrick county boys were represented in the following companies: Company E, 120th 
Indiana Volunteers; Company I, '25th Indiana Volunteers; Company I, 53rd Indiana Volun- 
teer Infantry; Company K, i'ind Indiana Volunteers; Com|jany E, (j5th Indiana Volunteers; 
Company H, 25th Indiana Volunteers. 



Shocking Murders— The Keith-Kifer Murder— Moh Law— The Roth- 
Keeler Affair— The Feud Between the Williams and Leighs. 

In May of 1900 the body of a young lady was discovered in Pigeon Creek by a cattle 
drover. Who she was and how she came to her death for many weeks was a mystery. Nora 
Kifer had disappeare<i in the \icinity, and the cor|)se was recognized by her father as that of 
liis daughter. How she came to her death, and the cause for her body being in the sluggish 
waters of Pigeon Creek was a mystery to the residents of the \icinity. Those working upon 
the case, slowly but surely, began to plait the rope of justice around the neck of Joseph D. Keith, 
of near Elberfeld. Eventually their work led to his conwtion and death upon the gallows. 
He claimed his innocenc-e until the last moment when he confessed upon the gallows and asked 
the Almighty to be allowed to meet the beautiful Nora upon the other shores. 



The Keith-Kifer Tragedy Briefly Stated 

September 13, 1899, Joseph Keith rented his farm to "Zach" Kifer, the father of Xora 
Kifer. 

November, Keith returned from Indianapolis and made an engagement with Nora. 

December 13, Keith took Nora upon her first \'isit to Evansville where he registered! at 
a hotel as "man and wife." 

January 13, 1900, Keith paid to Mrs. May Morelock $95 for keeping Nora Kifer where 
he came and stayed at nights. 

April 3, Nora Kifer disappeared from the face of the earth. 

April 13, "Zach" Kifer received a letter supposedly from Nora, which was written in 
red ink and signed "Lora." 

May 13, Keith and old man Kifer had their first talk regarding the disappearance of Nora. 

Friday, May 25th, Keith was arrested at his home for the murder of Nora Kifer. 

Friday, July 13th, Keith was bound over to court after his preliminary hearing . 
Booa\"ille. 

September 8th, the Warrick County grand jurj' brought an indictment against Keith 
for the murder of Nora Kifer. 

On January 13th, sentenced to death at Princeton, Ind., after a trial that lasted exacth 
thirteen days. 

On May 24th, 1901, Joseph D. Keith paid the penalty at Michigan Cit}% after confessing 
to the crime he was charged with and asking forgiveness and the priWlege of meeting the one 
he loved, Nora, over on the other shore. 



On Monday night. December 17th, 1900, Joseph RoUa. colored, who was an accomplice 
to the murder of HoUie Sinmions, of Rockport, was hanged in the Warrick County court yard 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



27 



by a mob composed of Ilockport c-itizeiis. Tlie mob had already han<fed two otlier negroes the 
day before, Sunday, in Rockport, Bud Rowland and Jim Henderson. The three had mur- 
dered and robbed Simmons on Sunday morning, December 16th. 

The mob forced its entrance into the local jail by battering a hole in the west side through 
the ase of sledge hammers and a telephone jiole as a battering ram. Ben Hudson was Sheriff 







CONDITION OP WARRICK COUNTY JAIL AFTER ENTERED BY MOB IN 1900 

die tune and Ray Cherry his deputy. They were helpless the night of the affair. The negro 
d been brought to Boonville from Rockport for .safe keeping. 



On January 11, 1903, Louis Roth stabbed Charles Keeler above the ear with an umbrella 
which resulted in the death of Keeler. The two had been to a jjerformance at the local opera 
house. Keeler had insulted Rotli and upon leaving the play house tormented and struck him. 
In defense Roth stabbed at him with tlie umbrella. In May of the same year Roth was vindi- 
cated of the charge. 



•■28 Warrick and Its Prominent People. 

On Friday, January 26, 1900, Wesley Williams began a feud that came near causing 
tlie loss of two lives. James Leigh was shot and killed by Williams while standing upon his 
own back steps. A quarrel had long been standing between the Williams and the I^eigh families. 
City ^Marshal, Robert Williams, was shot on the same day by Andrew Williams, a brother of 
the murderer, when he started to enter the Williams' home to jjlace the father and mother of 
Wesley Williams, Jonah and Minerva, under arrest. Officer Williams recovered. After long 
<lrawn out trials Jonah Williams and his wife Minerva were sentenced to the penitentiary for 
life as being aiders and abettors in the crime. Wesley Williams also received a life sentence. 
Simon and Salvin Williams, two other sons of Jonah and Minerva, were sentenced to the State 
Reformatory until twenty-one years of age, and Andrew Wilhams received a long jail sentence. 

The Boonville Standard in its issue of February 2, 190(i, said "(^ne man dead, another 
dangerously wounded, the mother, father and three sons of one family behind jirison bars, one 
woman and her three tiny children left without husband and father, is the resvdt of a feud which 
l)roke out in Boonville last Friday afternoon." 



A Letter from Gen. Joseph Lane, of Oregon to Col. W. M. Cockrum^ 

of Oakland City., Ind., Relative to Incidents Connected 

with Early History of Warrick County. 

Since the matter regarding Gen. Joseph Lane, jiolifician, bear hunter and fighter, was 
prepared, and which appears in another section of this history, the author has secured the per- 
mission to pubhsh a letter received by him from Gen. Lane, and which letter also appears in 
Col. Cockrmn's ably A\Titten book, "Pioneer History of Indiana." 

"Roseburg, Oregon June 21, 1878. 
Col. W. M. Cockrum, 

Oakland City, Ind. 

Dear Sir: — The first time I Avas ever on the site of where the City of Evans\-ille now 
stands was in 1815. Col. Hugh McGary lived there in what was called a faced camp. Soon 
after this he built a hewed log house which was a veiy good one for that day. The Colonel 
was a very generous man and his latchstring hung on the outside at all times for everybo.ly. 

' I sjjent hours going over with him what he was pleased to call a fine town site. At that 
time the evidence of there having been a hirge Indian town at that place was plain. The ground 
oa which tlie tepees stood was plainly marked. At Sprinklesburg, now known as Newburg, 
there had been another Indian town. The Shawnee Indians, who were under Chief Settedown, 
had a scattering town farther up the river. The western end was just above tlie Newcome coal 
mines and there were wigwams over a consideralile territory up and back from the river. 

There was no cause except treachery, which all Indians were full of, for the Shawnee 
Indians murdering Athe Meeks. He was a very harmless man. It was always believed by 
those in a position to know that the murder was done by a few discontented members of that 
band, aiming to remove all trace of that family. At tlie time Chief Settedowii heard of the mur- 
der he had a large herd of cattle and horses on the range about where Boonville now stands, 
which were all left in their hurry to get away. 

A runner was sent up the river to a keel boat crew for help and they volunteered to a man. 
Baily Anderson organized a j)osse and Ratlitf Boon was put in couiinand of both detach- 
ments. The Indians were encumbered with their women and children and could not make 
the speed the well-mounted soldiers could, and it was generally beheved that few of them ever 
lived to cross White River. There was always an undertalk that Boon did a good deed and 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



29 



the country was well rid of the Uizy vagrants. For months after the hasty retreat of the Indians, 
horses and cattle were foiuid near old Settedown's home. On the return of the soldiers all 
the cattle and horses that they could round up were gathered and thirty-five head of cattle and 
ten ponies were given to the widow of Athe Meeks. 

Very truly yours, 

JOSEPH LANE." 




ST. JOHNS CHURCH. BOONVILLE, IND. 



30 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



The Evansville, Suburban and Newburg Railway Company Operat- 
ing from Evansville to Boonville and Newburg—Construction 
of the Line— The finest Electric Road in the State. 

The Evansville, Suburban and Newburg Railway Companj* was organized in 1888, 
when a line was built from Evansville to Newburg. It was operated as a freight and passenger 
Une with steam engines until May, 1905, when electrical equipments were installed and since 
that time has been an electric road in all that electricity stands for. 

The change in the power of the road was made under an act of the Indiana State legis- 
lature, passed March 9. 1903, which permitted roads to be changed for electrical equipment, 
and it has taken advantage of an act approved February '■■13, 1905, which {permitted roads changed 
luider the previous act to continue to use steam as a motive power in addition to electricity. 
The Evansville, Subiu'ban and Newljurg Railway at present is the oidy line in the State that 
lias the right to oi^erate with steam and electricity. 




EXPRESS CAR. E., S. & N RAILWAY 

After the electrification of the Newburg line, construction work on the Boonville division 
was begun, and this was opened for traffic, July 3rd, 190(5. The tracks of the system form a 
Y. The main line continues out of Evansville to a junction four miles east of the city, where 
one branch takes off northeast to Boonville, eighteen miles from Evansville and ten miles north- 
east of Newburg. There is a total of twenty-eight miles of main line tracks. The region trav- 
ersed by both lines is good farming country with an average density of popidation. The farmers 
in Warrick County have the richest soil in the State. It is capable of more variety of farm 
products than any spot known to the writer, and the section of c-ountry through which the E. S. 
& N. passes had long been waiting the developments which would double the benefits to be 
derived by the intelligent farmer, and render the life of his wife and family one of pleasure 
by being able to travel at small expen.se and great comfort, visit friends and mingle with the 
world, which is, after all, the best education for the young. 

At the time the Newburg line was electrified, the track and roadway was entirely built. 
The track was originally constructed with a forty poimd T rail. New ties and rails were laid 
and all the trestles and crossings were replaced with new work. 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



31 




32 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



Bracket overhead construction is employed except in the terminal cities. The poles 
are i)Iaced one liundred feet ajiart. They are of chestnut, are thirtj-five feet long and have 
eight inch top.s and fourteen inch butts. Botli the butts and tops were treated AN-ith a preserva- 
tive before being erected. A cross arm below the bracket carries telephone and feeder wires, 
while the poles between Evans\'ille and the one sub-station on the hue carry on a ridge pin and 
a single cross arm, a three phase, high tension line. The brackets support two 000 grooved 
trolley wires. Lightning arresters are placed at intervals of 1,700 feet over the entire system. 

The progressive and up-to-date farmer, the farmer of wisdom realizes that it is far more 
economical to pay a few cents fare by interurban than wear out his harness, buggies and horse- 
flesh while he faces the bhstering sun in summer or the inclemency in winter, and he would 




E., S. & N. STATION AT BOONVILLE 



prefer that his loved ones at home enjoy the cool and comforts of the interurban car in summer, 
and the comforts that come with the heated car during the winter blasts, than to force them 
to drive over the muddv higliwavs of the average communitv. 



Advantages to the Farmer. 

The farmer who finds himself short of material in the shinghng of his barn or the com- 
pletion of a fence, by the use of the telephone.may purchase the required material and without 
the necessity of laying off his hands while he drives miles to a town, the car passes by, pauses 
long enough for the motorman to throw to the side of the road the needed coil of wire or bundle 
oF shingles. The farmer's wife finds the need of a spool of thread, and perhaps is from four 
to ten miles from a trading point. If they are progressive they have a telephone, the merchant 



W.uiRicK .\ND Its Prominent People. 



33 



is requested to send the thread and the motorman hands the spool to the person wanting same 
or turns it over to some party for its deUverance. 

After the week's hard j)Io\ving the liorses may remain in the barn while fatlier and motlier, 
son and daughter may take the car to a distant town to visit the brother of the aged motlier; 
may attend clnirch, and then return home, not all dusty and tired, but rested and refreshed 
after a day's outing, while the team is better ready for the furrow on the morrow. 

Some of the advantages to the farmer are of special interest. He can take his produce 
to town in gootl or bad weather, in the busy season or the slack, and can choose his market and 
time to sell. He can telephone his orders to town for supphes, and receive them by parcel 
freight at his door, instead of hauhng long distiinces over bad roads. By arrangement, the far- 
mer can have the metrojiolitan daihes to read at his breakfast table. He can xisit a hundred 
miles from home and retiu'u within the same day with greater ease than to drive to the average 



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VIEW ON NEWBURG LINE E. S. & N. 



town, then wait the pleasure of the steam train and get back the same day "if he can." He 
can turn his farm into a pasture except a few acres and make a good return producing milk, 
garden truck and small fruits, which the electric cars will each day take to a ready market. 
The progressive farmer can, in short, keep in close touch with the great world around him and 
enjoy the broadening influences which always accompany more frequent intercourse with the 
people at large. 

This is always the result of cheap, convenient and rapid transportation. Healthful 
home Bfe of the country can be maintained and the children will be more reconciled to living on 
the farm instead of flocking to large centers of popvdation. 

So the author might continue to enumerate the manifold benefits that come to those who 
help themselves by encouraging the coming of the promoter and the building of electric roads. 



34 



W.uiRicK Aum Its Prominext People. 



The Terminal Station at Evansville—The Station at Boonville 
Complete Concrete Stations Along the Line— General Equip- 
ment—Repair Shops - Attractiveness of the Farm. 

Although tliere are a number of interurhan stations in Indiana that are larger tlian tlie 
terminal station of the Evansville, Suburban and Newburg Railway, which is located at Evans- 
ville, there are none of more imposing and elegant appearance. The front is finished in stone, 
and a large glass a\\niing shelters patrons from the rain and summer sun. The building has 
been so constructed that a third storv mav be added and extensions made to meet the demands 




INTERIOR OF E.. S. & N CAR 



of the growing traffic. The station is locjited on Fifth street, between ]\Iain and Locust, 
and extends one hundred and fifty feet back to the cross alley. Next to the Locust street side 
is the car entrance to the freight house which is located back of the offices and waiting station. 

The waiting rooms are large and roomy and are furnished \^^th beantifvd oak settees. 
The larger waiting room is for the general public, while the smaller is for women only. The 
ladies waiting room is furnished with a number of comfortable rockers and a large mirror. 

The Boon\-ille E. S. & N. station was formerly used as a hotel. It is located one block 



Wabrick and Its Prominent People. 



35 



south of the pubHc square and is on Tliird street. The remodeled building contains separate 
ladies' and gentlemen's waiting rooms, ticket and express offices. It is lighted with the city 
current and heated from the city central heating plant. An express station with a covered 
track has been built to the west of the passenger station. 

The station at Chandler is a neat structiu-e with the enclosed portion surrounded by a 
large veranda. An unloading platform is jirovided for freight. 

In Newburg there are two stations, one in the lower and one in the upper part of town. 
Both are built with waiting stations for the pubUc. The station in the lower part of Newburg 
is known as Kuebler's Station. 

During 1908, eighteen concrete stations were erected at this number of [joints along 
tlie IJoonville and Newburg divisions, and so far as is knowni, there is not another road in the 
United States which has employed concrete exclusively in the construction of their country sta- 




E,. S & N. STATION AT CHANDLER 



tions. The stations are large enough to accommodate quite a party of people, with a roomy plat- 
form in front. They are finished in good substantial style, no two of them being exactly alike. 
They are fitted with comfortable seats. 

The E. S. & N. has five standard interurban passenger coaches of very latest design. 
Their interior is finished in mahogany, ornamented ^nth parquetry work. The ceilings are 
of the full empire design and the half open deck sashes are decorated with leaded art glass. 
Helophane globes enclosing clusters of five lights are located in the dome of the ceihng. The 
company also has three baggage and express cars. In addition to the electrical equipment, 
the company still has the cars and engines which were used before the electrification of the road. 

The electrical equipment is housed and repaired in a brick building in Evansville near 
the city limits. This is a large building with two compartments. In one of the compartments 



36 



Warrick and Its Promixe.nt People. 



are two storage tracks, while the other is used as a repair shop. The repair room is jirovided 
with a concrete floor and fully equipped for the handling of lieaAy machinery. 

There are several distinctive features in the organization and operation of the above 
named line, and which are not alwajs found in electric railway work, and which makes it what 
it is known to be, one of the very l:»est traction systems in Indiana. There is magic in the word 
system and it is in the management of this successful traction line that one can see the effects 
of system put into actual practice. The general manager, Mr. Gus Mulilhausen, has been the 
factor that has put into operation this fine method of systematic management, which has re- 




view ALONG BOONVILLE LINE. E.. S. & N. 



suited in the accomplishment of seemingly impossible things in an incredible short time. 
WTien making a trip on the Evans\alle, Suburban and Newburg Railway, one is forcibly 
reminded of the old poem wherein the following hnes are to be found: "The prairie stretches 
as smooth as a floor, as far as the eye can see," with the substitution of one word, reading, "The 
roadbed stretches as smooth as the floor, as far as the eye can see." No line in the State of In- 
diana pays such attention to the keeping of the roadbed in so fine a condition as does the E., S. 
& X. system. Not onlj' does this fine rock roadbed increase the attractiveness of the farm, 
for there are other ways. When churches, theatres, lecture haUs, etc., are easily acc-essible 
to the rural people, life on the farm becomes to many a different proposition, and farm work 
becomes easy, the farm itself becomes attractive in the mind, for you like your farm and the 
accommodations of the traction cause you to hke it. 



Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 



37 



The Scenic Line of Southern Indiana, Evansville & Eastern Electric 
Railway— Route Runs from Evansville to Rockport, via New- 
burg, Yankeetown and Hatfield. 

The scenic line of Southern Indiana is the Rockport brancli of the Evansville Railways 
Company, running from Evansville to Rockport, via Newburg, Yankeetown and Hatfield, with 
a branch line to Richland. 

The author has called this interurban hue the scenic hne of Southern Indiana because 
the scenery all along the route cannot be excelled in this part of the country. Level stretches 
of country give way to woodlands and pastures, if one will observe as passing over the system 




EVANSVILLE RAILWAYS CO S STATION AT YANKEETOWN 



of the line. Al-o, one cannot keej) from observing now and tlieii tlie winding Oliio and tlie 
thrifty steamboats, the high cliffs and hills which tower upward o i either side of the track, 
which wends its way through the valleys which are most picturesque. 

The Rockport extension of the Evansville Railways Company is the latest addition to 
the net work of Interurban traction Unes which weave their way through the country in Southern 
Indiana, especially in Warrick County. Its recent construction allowed for modern equij)- 
ment, some of which are not enjoyed by other roads 

The line extends from Evansville to Rockjjort, a distance of thirty-one miles in a north- 
easterly direction, passing through Newburg, Yankeeto\\'n, Hatfield aud a number of other 



38 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



important townis. The country along the entire right of waj- is one of the finest agricultural 
sections to be found anywhere, and for a greater part of the distance, the road is the only outlet 
open to the farmers who wish to send their products to market. 

The construction work on the Evansville and Eastern Electric Railway, as it is frequently 
called, was begun in May 1906, by the Tennis Construction Company of Cincinnati. Vice- 
President Battin of the company superintended the work, which was completed June 8, 1907. 

At this time, however, the road extended from Rockport to Newburg, a distance of twenty- 
one miles. From Newburg into Evansville the Rockjiort cars were run over the Evansville, 




NEWBURG STATION ON EVANSVILLE RAILWAYS CO, S LINE TO ROCKPORT 



Suburban and Newburg tracks, traffic arrangements having been made between the two roads 
to that end. 

In order to have a straight line of their own, it was only necessary for the Evansville & 
Eastern Electric to build nine miles of track, from Evansville to Newburg, and this line was fin- 
ished several montlis ago. The new di\nsion of the road starts at the intersection of Kentucky 
Avenue and Green River Road and runs in a straight hne to Newburg. The company has con- 
structed a handsome freight and passenger station at Newburg, and has a good business there; 
the Sprmklesburg of 1817, the prosperous town of Newburg of today. 

In addition to the straight hne to Rockport, the company is o|ierating a branch line which 
taps the main hne at a distance of two and a half miles beyond Hatfield and runs out to Rich- 
land^ a pretty little village which up to a short time ago has been without railroad service of 
any kind. It might be remembered tliat the author includes tliis matter for the simple reason 



Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 



39 



that all Spencer County, in pioneer days, was a part of Warrick County, and the progress of 
the people, the construction of railroads, go to show the advancement of the country. 

Niunerous grain elevators have been built at the stations along the right of way, and 
the company has put in a number of sidings for the convenience of the farmers who desire to 
to ship in carload lots. At Yankeetown a large grain warehouse and receiving station has been 
erected, and the Evansville & Eastern Electric is proving of great benefit to the people in that 
section of the country. The Evansville passenger station is located at the corner of Second 
and Locust streets, in the Masonic Block. 

The present officers of the company are: W. H. McCurdy, President; W. L. Sonntag, 
Vice-President; Fred W. Reitz, Secretary; Marcus S. Sonntag, Treasiu-er; W. A. Carson, 
General Manager; F. C. Storton, Traffic Manager. 




ROCKPORT, OWENSBORO AND GANNELTON RAPID TRANSIT BOAT, WHICH MAKES 
CONNECTIONS WITH THE EVANSVILLE RAILWAYS GO'S. CARS AT ROCKPORT. 



40 Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



The Boonville National Bank — Formerly Boonville Banking Co. — Seventh among 

Roll of Honor Banks of Indiana. 

Until 187'-2 Boon\-ilIe was without a bank. Prior to tiiat trine all of the banking business 
of the town had been done at Evans\-ille. Not only the merchants but the county treasurers 
as well were compelled to do their heaviest business away from home. The roljbery of the 
county safe, in 1868, and the committing of other crimes of a lighter grade immediately fol- 
lowing the robbery of the county safe, brought about the organization of a home bank. 

Lewis J. Miller, ex-county treasm-er was largely instrumental in bringing about the 
organization of the Boonvalle Banking Company which began doing business on January 1. 
187^2, with Lewis J. Miller as cashier. The capital at first was only $10,000 but was soon 
increased to $20,000. The stockholders were B. S. Fuller, W. L. Barker, Charles Knapp, L. J. 
Miller, T. J. Downs, James Wilson, L. A. Baker and Robert Taylor. It proved to be a good 
financial investment. 

In December, 1874, two years after tlie organization of the Boonville Banking Co., the 
stockholders of the organization decided to merge the institution into a National Bank. This 
was done, with a capital of $50,000. In the new concern the directors were L. J. Miller, presi- 
dent; E. W. Bethell, cashier, and Jacob Weyerbacher, Robert Taylor and T. J. Hudspeth. 
The National Bank of today is the same one of 1874. It is the largest bank as well as the oldest, 
having a capital and surplus of $128,000. It stands seventh among roll of honor banks of 
Indiana, quite a creditable position for a bank located in so small a town as Boonville to attain. 

Lewis J. Miller, the founder of the Boonville National Bank was one of Warrick County's 
most prominent men of his time. Previous to his banking career, he had served two terms 
as treasurer of Warrick Comity, and was educated to the banking business. He was a reliable 
basiness man and held the position of president of the institution up to the time of his death. 

John P. W'eyerbacher is the present president and Eugene H. Gough, cashier. Of the 
o.'ficers and directors little need be said, for they are men who are known all over the county 
as honest and upright citizens. ]\Ir. Weyerbacher is one of Boonville's representative citizens, 
is conservative and a practical business man. Likewise with Mr. Gough, the cashier, who is 
a young man of much abihty and honor and honesty guides him with his course with men. IVIessrs. 
Jacol) Weyerbacher, T. D. Scales and Edward Gough are i)ractical and successful business 
men. Witii such a board of tlirectors, the Boonville National Bank has advanced to the front 
and has attainetl the position of seventii among roll of honor banks of Intliana, as j)reviously 
mentioned. 



Organization and Growth of the Peoples Bank— Handsome Bank Building— Report 
of the Bank Auditing Committee— Excellent Officials. 

The favorably known institution. The People's Bank, was organized on the 8tJi of Jan- 
uary, 189.5, and began business in April following. The late J. F. Katterjohn and William L. 
Barker, following their active participation in the jiolitical campaign of ]SJ)4, were the moving 
spirits in the organization. The first board of directors was comi-osed of Frank C. Uepp, J. F. 
Katterjohn, I. F. Masters, W. L. Barker and L. W. Bohn. 

Upon the death of Mr. Hei)p, June 4th, 1896, Jolui W. Perigo was apjiointed his successor. 
J. F. Katterjohn died in February, 1906, and Clamor Pelzer was^appointed to fiU the vacancy 
in the board and elected vice-president. 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



41 







PEOPLES BANK OF BOONVILLE,..IND. 



42 VVakrick and Its Prominent People. 

The handsome bank building on the south side of the square is fitted up vAtii the latest 
equipment of all steel furniture and fixtures, tile floors, colonial design metal ceiUng and wain- 
scoting and all the modern time and labor saving devices and machines of a prosperous and 
progressive banking institution. 

The system of bookkeeping employed is simple and concise, every account is balanced 
and proven daily. 

I'nder date of February 3, 1909, Isham Masters, Clark Thomas and George A. Roth, 
tlie bank's auditing committee report that they had made a complete and thorough examina- 
tion of the cash, notes and securities and all books and accounts of the bank and found every 
item agreed with the books to a cent. The auditing committee is authorized to make these 
examinations at any time and without previous notice to the officers. These verifications are 
in addition to the periodical examinations made by the State Bank Inspector. 

The security and safeguarding of the depositor's money has always been the first consid- 
eration of the management, and "SoUd as a Rock" has become the trade mark of the bank. 
During tlie panic of 1908 no limitation was placed upon withdrawals, yet the deposits ran up 
to tiie highest point in its history, an experience enjoyed by few, if any, banks in the country. 
The surplus is $17,000.00 and capital $33,000.00 upon which dividends at the rate of twelve 
per cent are paid. 

The directors for 1909 are WiUiam L. Barker, president; Clamor Pelzer, \ice-presitlent; 
Louis W. Bohn, cashier and Isham F. blasters and Adolph W. Heim. 



Officials of the Warrick Circuit Court— List of Lawyers Who Practice at the Local 

Bar—Their Residence— County Officials. 

Second Judicial Circuit, Boonville — Judge Circuit Court, Roscoe Kij^r, Booiiville; 
Prosecuting Attorney, Louis N. Savage, Rockport; Clerk, Robert Derr, Boon\'ille, and Slieriff, 
Rajnnond Scales, Boonville. 

Terms — Third Monday of February and May, first Monday of October and December, 
February and May, terms, six weeks; October and December, four weeks. 

Practicing Members of Warrick County Bar, William Z. Bennett, Boonville; James W. 
Davis, Chandler; Sylvester T. deForest, Boonville; Lenpha A. Folsom, Boonville; Henry F. 
Fulling, Boon\alle; Edward Gough, Boonville; Roger D. Gougii, Boonville; Chas. M. Ham- 
mond, Boonville; Frank H. Hatfield, Boon\-ille; Sidney B. Hatfield. Boonville; Will S. Hat- 
field, Boonville; James A. Hemenway, Boonville; William A. Hopkins, Newburg; John M. 
Kohbneyer, Elberfeld; Thomas W. Lindsey, Boonville; Caleb J. Lindsey, Boon\^lle; Roberts. 
Moore, Boonville; Andrew J. Rutledge, Newburg; John L. Taylor, Boonville; Truman P. 
Tillman, Boonville; Charles R. Tiu-pen, Lynnville; Marshal R. Tweedy, Boonville; William K. 
Williams, Boonville; and James R. Wilson, Boonville. 

The county oflScers are William E. Williams, representative; Robert J. Derr, clerk; 
John W. Wilson, treasurer; Sidney Carter, recorder; Raymond Cherry, auditor; Raymond 
Scales, sheriff; Frank Farley, coroner; Louis Meyer, surveyor and Frank Ridens, a.sse.ssor. 



Some of the Various Business Institutions of Boonville. 

Allen, Chas. D., Fashionable Tailoring, McCuUa Building, West Side Square. 
Allen, W. H., Monument Works, North Third St. 

Au.st, Edward W'., ^Monuments, Marble and Granite Work, South Third St. 
Baker, B. W. Coal Co., Third St. 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 43 

Baker & Harpole, Opera House Barber Shop, West Side Square. 

Baker, L. A., Buggies, Wagons and Farm Implements, North Third St. 

Batteiger, A. J., Harness, Collars, Blankets and Robes, North Third St. 

Boiirer, Julius, Barber, North Side Court Square. 

Becker, Chas., Saloon, North Side Square. 

Begeman, F. L., Livery and Sale Stable, Third St. 

Bennett, W. G., Wall Pa{jer, West Locust west of Standard Office. 

Boonville Electric Light & Power Co., Office Second and Main. 

Boonville Foundry, Third Street one block north Southern Depot. 

Boonville Implement Co., Third Street, south Roth's Store. 

Boonville ISIilling Co.j Division and Fourth, east Southern Depot. 

Boouvlle Enquirer, G. H. Hazen, Prop'r, northwest corner Court Square. 

Bohrer Drug Co., Ed. Bohrer, Prop'r, West side Square. 

Borer, Dave, Gents' Furnishings, North Side. 

Brown Bros., Saloon and Cafe, North Side Square. 

Bryan, A. C, General Store, Division St. 

Cady, J. Frank, Photographer, North First St. 

Campbell, Claude P., Prop'r, City Lunch Wagon, Corner Third and Main. 

Cherry, Geo., Livery and Feed Stables, North Second St. 

Christ, Bakery and Confectionery, South Side Square. 

Cumberland Telephone & Telegraph Co., North Side Square. 

Dedman, Oliver P., Prop'r Up-to-date Saloon, East Side. 

Demberger Drug Co., John A. Demberger, Prop'r, North Side Square. 

Elkhorn Mills, Manufactm-ers Okl Gold and Royal Patent Flour, Q. F. Katterjohn, 

Prop'r, Second and Mill Sts. 
Elzer, John, Farming Lnplements, Wagons and Seed, West Sycamore. 
Eskew, Daniel, Grocery and Hotel, Corner Third and Locust. 
Eskew, William, Dealer in Leaf Tobacco, North Second St. 
Farmers' and Merchants' National Bank, East Side PubUc Square. 
Feldwisch, Wm., General Store, Corner Fifth and Division Sts. 
Ferguson, C. C. and Son, Groceries and Qiieensware, South Side Square. 
Ferguson, Chester, Dentist, Eckstein Building, East Side. 
Floyd, George, Clothing and Men's Furnishings, Northwest Corner Square. 
Fuller, W. W., Real Estate, Insurance and Loans, East Side Square. 
Fuquay and Da\'is, Grocery, East Locust. 
Gentry Bros., Grocery, Third St. 
Gentry, I.i. C, Grocery, Nortli Side Square. 
Gordner Bros., Horseshoeing, North Third St. 
Gordner, Chas., Livery and Feed Stable, West Main St. 
Gordner, Gus., Saloon, North Side Square. 
Goad, Geo. M., Prop'r, Modern Grocery, North Third St. 
Griffith and Cunningham, Barbers, East Locust. 
Hazen & Campbell, Painters and Paperhangers, Third St. 
Hebner, P. and Son, Jewelry, North Side Square. 
Hehnbock, F. H., Horseshoeing and General Repair, North Third St. 
Heinzle and Nester, Jewelers, North Side Square. 
Heini, H. M., Prop'r, Saloon, Corner Third and Locust. 
Home Produce Co., Commodore McClary, Prop'r, Railroad Yards. 
Hotel Spencer, Lawrence Dameron, Prop'r, Third St. 



44 Warrick and Its Prominent People. 

Hudspeth, J. M., Saloon. 

Hudspeth, J. M., Real Estate and Insurance, Office m Opera House. 

Hunton, W. C, Photographer, Northwest Corner Public Square. 

Interurban Bar, Will Boner, Prop'r, Third St. 

Jarrett, Lon W., Prop'r The Golden Rule, Wall Paper, 5 and 10 Cent Goods. 

Kindermann's, Hardware, Stoves, Wire and Nails, North Side Square. 

Klostermeier, Christ, Grocery, Hardware and Paints, East Side. 

Klostermeier and Kaiser, Meat Market, North Third St. 

Koegel, John, Horseshoeing and Repair Work, South Second St. 

Koutz Bros., Merchant Tailors, East Locust. 

Kuntzman, Geo. Sr., Shoe Maker, East Locust. 

Kaiser, Henry, Shoe Maker, Third St. north Trimble Furniture Store. 

Kuntzman, Louis, Bakery and Confectionery, East Side Square. 

Kuntzman, George, Confectionery and Soda Fountain, East Side Square. 

Lipnight's Son, Henry, Wholesale Commission Co., Third St. 

Slaughter, Mrs. Mary, MilUnery. 

Loge & Son, Horseshoeing and General Repair, North Second St. 

Lutz and Meyer, Meat Market, East Main. 

Lutz, Phihp, Prop'r, Boonville's Green Grocery, East Main. 

Lynch Music Store, Pianos, Phonographs, Records, Etc., South Side. 

Madden, John E., Feed and Sale Stable and Wagon Yard, Walnut St. 

Maurer, Henry J., Dry Goods and Clothing, East Side Square. 

McKenney, Dr. J. W., Dentist, South Side over Owen's Drug Store. 

McKinney, G. L., Livery, East Sycamore. 

Meyer, Geo. W., Department Store, East Side Square. 

Newion, Grant, Ocuhst and Aurist, Southwest Corner Square, Upstairs. 

Owens, L. W., Prop'r Owens' Drug Store, South Side Square. 

Parker & Baum, Grocery, West Side Square. 

Philips, C. W., Groceries, South Third St. 

Picker Bros., Clothing and Dry Goods, Northwest Corner Square. 

Reed, D. and Sons, Full Line of Gent's Fiu-nishings, East Side Square. 

Reed, John B., Grocery, Third St. 

Rhodes, Jacob F. Restaurant, Third Street, One Door South of Corner. 

Richardson, J. F., Stationery, Books and Notions, West Side Square. 

Robinson, J. M., Saloon, Third St. 

Roth, Geo. J. & Co., Department Store, Southeast Corner Square. 

Roetzel, Henry, Cement, South Third St. 

Scales, T. D. Coal Co., and Erie Canal Coal Co., Second and Main. 

Scales, H. M. & Son, Groceries, North Third St. 

Shafer Bros., Stoves, Furniture, also Licensed Embalmers, West Side Square. 

Singer Sewing Machine Co., North Third St. 

Skelton, J. T., Tonsorial Parkjir, Third St. 

Stag Saloon, Chas. J. Nester, Proj)'r, Third St. 

St. Charles Hotel, Andrew Franz, Prop'r, Northwest Corner Square. 

Taylor and Boner, Real Estate, Insurance, Ix)ans, Etc., East Side Square, over Farmer- 

and Merchants' National Bank. 
Tennyson, J. F., Grocery, 'I'hird St., Two Doors North Hardware Store. 
The Boonville National Bank, J. P. Weyerbacher, Pres't, West Side Square. 



W.tRRicK ,tND Its Prominent People. 45 



The People's Bank, Wm. Ij. Barker, Pres't, South Side Square. 

The Ckib Saloon, Fred Singer, Prop'r, East Side Square. 

The Standard, Downs and Johnson, Prop'rs, Southwest Corner Square. 

Theatoriuni, Frank Forrest, Prop'r, South Side Square. 

Thomas & Eifler. But^pies and Harness, South Side Square. 

Thornbiu-g Bros., Farming Implements, Buggies and Wagons, West Side Square. 

Traction Exchange Saloon, Third St., Across from Traction Office. 

Transient House, W. L. Scales, Proi)'r, Third St., Half Block South of Public Square. 

Traylor, F. W'., Dentist, Office in Hepp Building, Upstairs. 

Trimble, Geo., Fiu-niture and Undertaking, Third Street. 

Warrick Hardware Co., Edward W'. Maier, Prop., Corner Third and Main. 

W'hite, C. P. Lumber Co., Builling Materials and Manufacturers of Hardwood, Southern 

Railway and Third St. 
White, R. B. I.,umber Co., West Sycamore St. 
Wilder, Mrs. H., Pianos and Organs, South Side Square. 
Williams, Bert, Tonsorial Parlor, Third St. 
Willard Christmas Lmnber Co., Shingles, Laths, Lmiiber, Etc., South Third St., One 

Block South Southern Railway. 
Wilson Bros., Dry Goods, Clothing and Shoes, Northeast Corner Square. 
Wilson, J. R. ami Rice, Lawyers, Real Estate and Loans, Northeast Corner Square. 
Wooley, J.. Coal Co., Third St. 
Yoimgblood, Dr. E. L , Physician, East ]\Iain St. 



4G 



Warrick axd Its Prominent People. 




HON. RATLIFP BOON 



Hon. ]{ ATi.iKF Boon, Ex-Governor of tlie State of Indiana, and for .sixteen years Repre- 
sentative from the First Con>;re.s.sional District in the National Hou.se of Representatives, was 
l)orn in Georgia, about the year 1780. He was a cou.sin of the great pioneer, Daniel Boone, 
and was also a son-in-law to Baily Anderson, one of the earliest settlers of this comity. His 
parents moved to Warren County, Kentucky, while he was very young, and at Danville, in that 
State, he learned the gun.sniith's trade. In 1809 he came to Indiana Territory through the in- 
fluence of his kinsman, liaily Anderson, and was probably the first to settle in what is now Boon 
To\^^lship, this county, which was named in honor of him. The land upon which he settled 
and hved during his residence in Warrick County is situated about two miles west of Boonville. 

Colonel Boon was one of the most prominent men in Indiana during its early <lays, and 
held some of its highest offices within the gift of the jjeople. His education was limited, but he 
was a man of extraordinary tact and sagacity. He possessed great force of character and had 
a manner of making loyal friends and bitter enemies. For several years he was Colonel of the 
Indiana Militia. Upon the organization of Warrick as a territorial county in 1813, as the law 
at that time required, he was appointed treasurer, which office he held until 18'20. In 1816, 
when Indiana was admitted to the Union, Boon was elected to represent Warrick County in the 
first State Legislature. This was the beginning of his career as a politician, and he afterwards 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 47 

held various offices, covering a period of twenty-five years. He was twice elected I^ieiitenant 
Governor of Indiana, and during his last term in this office he filled an unexpired term as Chief 
Executive of the State. He was elected to Congress eight different times, .serving in all sixteen 
consecutive years. 

In 1889 he moved to Pike County, Missouri, and while a resident of that State he was 
defeated by Thomas H. Benton in caucus, as a candidate for United States Senator, after which 
he virtually retired from public Ufe. However, he desired to live to see Polk elected President 
of the United States, and a few hours after he received the news of his election, in 184.6, he died. 

Colonel Boon was married to Miss Deliah Anderson, of Kentucky, daughter of Baily 
Anderson. The fruits of this marriage were ten children, five boys and five girls, all of whom 
are now dead. Jesse Boon, a son of Ratlift" Boon, gave a large tract of land upon which to locate 
Boonville, but it was not accepted. The tract is a mile from the pi'csent site of Boonville. It 
was after Jesse Boon, that Boonville was named, and not Ratliff Boon, as so many people are 
led to lielieve. 

The marked characteristics of Ratlift" Boon's [public life forcibly reminds one of the back- 
woods statesman, Davy Crockett. In the annals of Warrick County history no man figures 
more prominently than Ratliff Boon, and his career is one of which we may well be proud. 

Gen. Joseph Lane, who became equally as prominent as lion. Ratlift' Boon in the his- 
tory of Warric-k County, was born in North Carolina in 1801, and was only six years old when 
his father, John Lane, removed to Henderson County, Kentucky. In 1818 his father moved 
to Warrick County, but through an act of Ratlift' Boon, who feared Joseph Lane's popidarity 
would seriously interfere with his political aspirations in this county, caused a strip of land to 
be transferretl from the southeastern part of Warrick to the territory of Vanderburgh Comity, 
which included the farm that Mr. I^ane had settled upon, thereby making Joseph Lane ineligible 
to office in this county. However, Gen. Lane afterwards represented Warrick and Vander- 
bin-gh counties in the State Senate several times in succession. 

And in the Mexican war Gen. Lane distinguished himself equally as much as had his 
former rival, Ratlift" Boon. Lane's regiment was under Gen. Taylor's division, and Joseph 
Tjane's daring and bold methods soon aroused the notice of "Old Rough and Ready," who made 
Colonel Lane a Brigadier General. In a letter in pos.session of the author and wTitten by a 
man who rode beside Gen. Lane at Buena Vista, the following is found: "General I^ane, leading 
his men, marched toward the gap cut in Santa Anna's troops, and the Mexicans, fearing the 
deadly leaden rain of the backwoods riflemen, broke and fled in wild disorder. Lane made a 
gallant charge, and he proved to be one of the three jjrominent men of the battle, the other two 
being Gen. Taylor and Captain Bragg." 

At the close of the war, the President, who had received a report of Gen. Lane's gallant 
fighting at Buena Vista, appointed him Governor of the Territory of Oregon, and upon the ad- 
mission of Oregon into the Union, he was elected a senator. General Lane was a delegate 
from Oregon to the Democratic convention which nominated Franklin Pierce for President in 
185'2. In 1860 Gen. Lane was nominated for Vice-President on the Brackenridge-Democratic 
ticket, and his career in that memorable campaign is a part of the records of the country. Gen. 
Lane was married while living in this county, to Mi.ss Mary Hart, daughter of Matthew Hart. 
Ten children were the result of this union. Concerning their life the author has been unable 
to find any data. Where they live is a question the author is unable to answer. 
Gen. Lane died several years ago. He was a representative pioneer, one of the most prominent 
men of Warrick County, and who succeeded in the face of his strong opponents. Lane Town- 
ship in this county, is named in honor of him. Gen. Lane's public services are a permanent 
part of our national history. 



48 Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



The last act of Gen. Lane's life was to ^Tite a running sketch of his hfe and send it to the 
V'anderburgh County Historical Society, from whicli some of the above notes are taken. He 
died in Roseberg, Oregon, on April 20th, 1881, in his seventy-ninth year. 

Hugh McG.vry, the man who founded Evans\ille, Ind., and who was a prominent citi- 
zen of Warrick County during its earhest days, died broken hearted because he had been ac- 
cued of horse stealing, so show records that were recently discovered at Evansville. 

At one time McGary o\^'ned all the land comprising the greater part of what is now the 
downtown business section of Evansnlle. He had the town incorporated and laid out according 
to his own ideas. He was Evansville's first postmaster, and he regarded the city as his child. 

In his dechning days there came the accusation of horse steahng, so the records just found 
go to show. In those times horse stealing was almost as great a crime as murder. ^NIcGary 
proved his innocence before a pioneer jury, but there were some who cut business relations with 
him and would not believe him innocent. For a time McGary braved the taunts, but he hat! 
soul wounds under the piercing stabs of slander. At times he was unable to conceal his feeUngs. 
He suddenly disappeared. Where he went was never ascertained. 

He came to Evansville in 181'2, so the records say. He tied his canoe to the old elm tree 
on the water front and looked out over a level plain and saw in it a chance to make a village. 
He bought a grant from the Federal Government inl81'-2 for property whidi is now Avorth more 
than $26,000,000. In 1818 he was Associate Judge of Boonville, and full Judge in 1814. He 
figured in poHtics quite often, and in several campaigns was pitted against Ratliff Boon, the fa- 
mous pioneer settler, and who was latter Governor of Indiana. In one campaign McGary re- 
ceived one vote to about fifty of his opponent. 

^\^len the capital of Warrick County was located at Darlington, Evansville was then a 
part of Warrick County, which was among the first of counties to be laid out in Southern Indiana. 
The sudden rise of Darlington caused McGary's A-illage to become an utter failure, but when 
the center of the county was moved to Boonville, Evansville thrived. It was in the oO's that 
McGary was charged with horse steahng. 

Wliere McGary was born is not known. He was very influential in securing the removal 
of Warrick County from DarUngton to Boonville, thus giving more freedom to the town of his 
own founding, Evansville. 




Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 



49 




JAMBS A. HEMENWAY 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



JAMES A. HEMENWAY was born on March 8, 1860, in Boonville, Warrick 
County, Indiana, He attended school at Boonville, but progressed no further than tlu' 
eighth grade. His father was not a wealthy man, and "Jim's" services at the post- 
office were of more value to him than time spent at school. William J. L. Hemenway. 
son of Israel Hemenway, was appointed postmaster at Boonville in 1861 and retained 
the place until 1866. In 1872 he was reappointed, holding the office until 1878. It 
was while a clerk in this office that the ambition to be something seized "Jim" Hemen- 
way, but he kept his ambitions to himself, and in fact made very little effort to get 
out of his surroundings. He read good books, and between calls to the window he 
managed to master some of the branches of study. 

After the death of his father, "Jim" was seized with the wild west fever and 
drifted to Iowa. For a short time he worked in a store as a clerk, but the remunera- 
tion was almost as small as his prospect for advancement. He then lost no time in 
going to Kansas, where he filed on a claim of 160 acres. He was not old enough to 
comply with the homestead laws in his own right, and accordingly entered the land 
as the head of a family. He broke the virgin soil and planted as many acres in corn 
as one man could cultivate. But covetous eyes were on his holding and a contest 
was instituted against him on the ground that he was under age and not the head 
of a family. Before the contest was determined, the drouth came and in a day the 
corn was burned and shriveled by the hot winds. Hemenway, with a contest on his 
hands, did not have a dollar nor a friend who would stake him. There was but one 
thing to be done and that was to gather buffalo bones on the plains and haul them 
to Wichita, a distance of fifty miles from where he was located. Wichita was at that 
time the center of the bone industry. The price on the market was $5.00 a ton. Two 
round trips a week were the limit, but through one entire summer and fall Hemenway 
loaded his wagons and hauled the buffalo bones to market. He realized in this way 
between $6.00 and $10.00 a week, which barely supported him and afforded feed for 
his horses. 

However hard he might struggle, Hemenway discovered he must lose. The 
contest went against him. He sold his wagon and team and left Kansas in 1878 
to seek the folks back home. After returning to Indiana he became a sewing machine 
agent. Now when he talks of his career, he insists that this experience was the most 
profitable of his life, and in his presence the sewing machine agent cannot be abused. 

Finally "Jim" Hemenway made his way to the Warrick County home place 
at Boonville, and began the study of law. He had been home from Kansas but a 
few years when he was nominated for prosecuting attorney on the Republican ticket. 
The district was strongly Democratic, and even Hemenway's friends did not think 
that he had a ghost of show for election. In fact, he was merely put on the ticket 
to "fill up." He made a house to house canvass in his old sewing machine wagon. 
When the votes were counted Hemenway found himself in the prosecuting attorney's 
office with votes to spare and much knowledge to gain. Through toil and perseverance, 
and through the aid of Judge Rheinhard [now deceased], formerly the dean of the 
law department of Indiana University at Bloomington, he fitted himself for the posi- 
tion to which he was re-elected two years later. The story of how young Hemenway 
was first placed upon the ticket for prosecuting attorney is as follows: One day he 
was on his way home from the tobacco factory in Boonville where he was then em- 
ployed. One of the Republican leaders accosted him and asked him how he would 



Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 51 

like to go on the ticket as the party's candidate for prosecuting attorney. "You un- 
derstand there is no chance of being elected," said his friend, "but we've got to fill 
out the ticket and we might as well put you on as anybody else." "Allright, put 
me on," said the young man from the tobacco factory, who knew nothing concerning 
his opponent, William Land, a formidable member of the bar and as good a jurist as 
then resided in this section of the state. 

"Well, I borrowed an old horse and hitched him to my sewing machine wagon 
and went into the campaign," said Hemenway as he related this incident of his life. 
"The judicial circuit was composed of the counties of Warrick, Spencer and Perry. 
I made up my mind that I would use the nomination to advertise myself and after 
election would open up a law office. I never thought of winning, but I hurried that 
old nag over the hills and I believe I shook hands with nearly every man, woman 
and child living in the three counties, and I did it in three months. To the surprise 
of myself and a majority of my friends, I walked into the prosecutor's office with a 
majority of 600 votes over Judge Land." 

Here was a young man who had never tried a law case in his life, elected prose- 
cuting attorney for three counties. "My impulse was to back out," said Hemenway, 
"but after I thought it over I decided to 'stick' instead of 'back.' Judge Rheinhard 
was my closest friend and it was through him that I made a success. He told me 
what was what and I remembered. I won my first case and the majority of them 
afterwards". While in the office Hemenway established a record and reputation 
for himself, and the party leaders in the First District recognized the young man as 
an able manager. 

In 1890 Hemenway was made District chairman in order that he might har- 
monize party differences brought about by the Harrison-Gresham fight. The work 
brought Mr. Hemenway into contact with active politics, and permitted a Congres- 
sional bee to nudge its person beneath his hat. In 1894 he was nominated after a 
spirited convention that was held at Evansville, and after a long siege of balloting 
failed to nominate and adjourned to meet at Mt. Vernon, at which place Senator 
Hemenway was nominated, defeating Col. Frank B. Posey of Evansville and A. P. 
Twineham of Princeton, Indiana. His opponent in the race for Congress was Arthur H. 
Taylor of Petersburg, Indiana, a Democrat who was then the Representative in Con- 
gress from the First District and whom he defeated. In 1896 he defeated Thomas 
Duncan of Princeton, "the Bryan of Indiana," and in 1898 defeated him again. 
Colonel Alfred Dale Owen was defeated by Congressman Hemenway in 1900, but by 
only a small majority, and he proved to be the hardest opponent ever pitted against 
Mr. Hemenway. He defeated John W. Spencer of Evansville in 1902 and defeated 
Albert G. Holcomb of Fort Branch in 1904, by the largest majority ever given Mr. 
Hemenway. 

In 1905 he resigned as a Member of Congress to take a seat in the United States 
Senate, made vacant by the election of Senator Charles W. Fairbanks to the Vice- 
Presidency of the United States. He was the unanimous choice of the Republicans 
of the State Legislature after a spirited contest in which six formidable opponents 
were arrayed against him, namely: Gov. Winfield T. Durbin, Hon. Harry S. New, 
E. D. Crumpacker, Hon. Charles B. Landis, Hon. Charles W. Miller and Hon. George 
McCuUough. The opponents, realizing the strength of Mr. Hemenway, withdrew 
from the race, and his name for United States Senator was presented to the Legisla- 
ture by Judge Edward Gough, Republican Representative from Warrick County, 
and a very close friend of Senator Hemenway. 

While in the lower House, Mr. Hemenway became chairman of the Appropria- 



o2 Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



tions Committee, and immediately upon his entrance to the Senate he was placed on 
the Appropriations Committee, the Committee on Military Affairs and the Committee 
on Claims, in which committees he took high rank because of his previous service 
in the House of Representatives. There are very few pieces of important legislation 
that has passed Congress in the last twelve years that Mr. Hemenway has not had a 
hand in framing. He was soon recognized by the leaders in both branches of Con- 
gress as a man of profound common sense. In discussing Senator Hemenway with 
Hon. Joseph G. Cannon, Speaker of the House of Representatives, a friend remarked 
that Hemenway is a man of great common sense. "You are mistaken," replied the 
Speaker, "he is a man of uncommon sense." 

Mr. Hemenway has won all of his offices by vote of the people, except the office 
of United States Senator, to which he was elected by the legislature. In the spring 
of 1908 Senator Hemenway was endorsed by the Republican State Convention, by 
unanimous vote, for re-election to the senate, and the Republican candidates for the 
Legislature throughout the state were instructed by their constituents to vote for 
his re-election. On account of local state issues, however, the people elected a Demo- 
cratic Legislature in 1908, which resulted in Senator Hemenway's retirement from 
the Senate on March 4, 1909. He was made the caucus nominee without opposition 
by the Republican members of the Legislature, but the Republicans being in the 
minority, Hon. Benjamin F. Shively of South Bend, Indiana, was elected as his successor. 

In the campaign of 1908, Senator Hemenway's home County of Warrick was 
the only Democratic county in the state that went Republican. Many rock-ribbed 
Republican counties that formerly gave great majorities, went Democratic, but War- 
rick County, which is normally over 250 Democratic, elected a Republican member 
of the Legislature as a tribute to Senator Hemenway. 

Mr. Hemenway's career affords a great example of what a young man of grit 
and industry may accomplish. Although his biography in the Congressional Directory 
gives little hint of his early struggles, they are well known by his neighbors at home. 
He is a Warrick County product, being at the time of his election to the Senate, the 
only United States Senator who lived in the same town in which he was born. 

Mr. Hemenway's family consists of his wife and three children. Mrs. Hemen- 
way, who was Miss Ann Eliza Alexander, is the daughter of William Alexander, a 
pioneer of Warrick County, and concerning whom considerable mention is made 
elsewhere. Of the three Hemenway children, Mrs. A. Bennett Gates is the eldest. 
George Rheinhard Hemenway is the only son. Miss Estelle is the youngest member 
of the family. Mr. Hemenway is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Masonic and 
Woodmen of the World lodges of Boonville. 



Author's Note: — Senator James A. Hemenway is the grandson of Israel Hemenway, 
who is a descendant of Jason Hemenway of Connecticut, wlio married Lucy Densmore in 1746. 
Mrs. James A. Hemenway is a descendant of Ratliff Boone, who for many years represented 
Indiana in the Congress of the United States, and was also Governor while the state was a 
territory and after it was admitted to the Union. 



Warrick aj*jd Its Prominent People. 



53 



»»• 




MRS, JAMES A. HBMENWAY 

Mrs. J.wies A. Hemenway, nee Alexander, wife of Hon. James A. Hemenway, was 
born in Warrick County, on October 12th, 1863. She wa.s one of the eleven children born to 
WilUam and Nancy J. (Wilder) Alexaiuler. She moved to Boonville with her parents in 1882 
and three years later was married to James A. Hemenway, at that time an employee in a local 
tobacco factoiy. Three children are the result of their union, two girls and one boy, namely, 
Mrs. A. Bennett Gates, of Indianapohs, George llheinhard and Estelle. Mrs. Hemenway is 
a devoted wife and mother and is highly respected by all who know her. 



Author's Note: — Mrs. Ann Eliza Hemenway is a great-grand -daughter of Ratliff Boon, 
who was a cousin to tlie pioneer hunter, Daniel Boone, and her great-great-grandfather was 
Baily Anderson, one of the first white men to settle within the old W^arrick County. 



54 



Warrick and Its Promineni- People. 




WILLIAM J. L. HBMENWAY 



William J. L. Hkmenway, one of ten children horn to Israel and Hannah Hall Henien- 
way, was born in 1833 near Center Church in Warrick County. He secured a fairly good educa- 
tion, although he had but a small time to devote to his studies, the farm needing his attention. 
In 1853 he married Sarah A. McClellan, a daughter of Alexander McClellan of West Va., at 
Newburg, Ind., and during his short timed residence in that vicinity, was interested in farming. 
In 1855 he located in Boonville and entered into the dry goods business, being located in a small 
shack on the East side of the court square. His business lionse was situated about where the 
Meyer Department store now stands. In 1861 Mr. Hemenway was appointed j)ostmaster at 
Boon\-ille and held that position until 1866, all during the troublesome times of tlie Ci%-il War. 
At the expiration of his term as Boon\alle postmaster, he again entered into business, but in 187!2, 
six years later, was reappointed postmaster, which position he held until the time of his death 
on March 29, 1878. Mr. Hemenway was a member of the Free Mason fraternal organization 
and also a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which was founded in Boonville 
by his fatlier, Israel Hemenway. The union of our subject to Sarah A. McClellan resulted 
in the birth of four children, one djing in infancy. The tliree U\-ing children are William I., 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



no 



age fifty years; James A., age forty -seven and Lncy M., age thirty-six. Mrs. Hemenway resides 
at lier home in Boonville with lier daiigliter, ^Nliss Iaicv. 

Tlie General Baj^tist Herald in its issue of April 4, 1878, in commenting on the hfe of 
the subject of this sketch, said: "In the death of Mr. Hemenway, Boonxille has indeed lost one 
of its best and most highlj' esteemed citizens. In the capacity of a public officer, Mr. Hemenway 
gave general satisfaction. He has for many years been an acceptable member of the Cmiiber- 
land Presbyterian Chiu-ch and has been considered by all who knew him, to be a consistent 
Christian." 




MRS W J. L HEMENWAY 

Mrs. W. J. L. Hemenway was born near Morgantown, Va., in Monongahela County 
on the Monongahela River, on March 8, 1826, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander "Slc- 
Clellan. She secured a common education in her Virginia home and was a talented young girl, 
being considered very bright when a small child. She came to Indiana in 1851, setthng at New- 
burg where she married William J. L. Hemenway a few years later. Four children were born 
to this union, one of whom is dead. She is the mother of Senator James A. Hemenway. 

Mrs. Hemenway resides at her home in Boonville, and is still active although eighty- 
three years of age. Her daughter, INIiss Lucy, resides with her. IVIrs. Hemenway has an ex- 
cellent memory and the author is indebted to her for much of the old historical lore weaved in 
the matter found in this history. 



56 



Wahrick and Its Prominent People. 




BENJAMIN HALL 



Benj^vmin Hall, the fourth in a family of nine children born to William and Elizabeth 
Hall, was born December i^Oth, 1808, in England. WilHam Hall, who was born on July 10th, 
1774, was a descendant from one of the old English famihes, and his wife, EHzabeth, was a 
lady of polished manners and was highly accomplished. She, hkewise, was of an excellent old 
English family. She was a lady of extraordinary intellect, and it is from her that the subject 
of this sketch inherited much of the talent and abihty which he displayed throughout his career, 
from boyhood to old age. 

Other than Benjamin, the children born to Wilham and Elizabeth Hall are as follows: 
Mary, Caleb, Elizabeth, Hannah (who married Israel Hemenway. See sketch), Ebenezer, 
Ephriam, John and Martha. All the children are now tlead, but during their lifetime followed 
vocations of credit. The boys of this family all turned to religious work and became ministers 
of the gospel. But of the nine, Benjamin Hall became the most famous, and by his acts and 
career, the name of Hall has been emblazoned and remembered. 

William and Elizabeth Hall inmiigrated to the United States in 1820, locating at first 
at Evansville. Their journey across the wilderness, through Ohio, and the struggles against 
the red skins mark the opening chapters of this family in this country. At last, however, they 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



arrived at the site where Gen. Hugh McGary had planned his town, now tlie city of Evansville, 
but they did not remain tliere. North of Evans\'ille was a settlement known as the Ingle settle- 
ment, and which family had located there only a few years previous. On account of the un- 
safe condition of the country at this time, it was the custom for the several famihes to band to- 
gether for protection from the Indians and wild animals. It was about the same year that the 
Hemenways from New York also located in that neighborhood. 

WiUiam Hall trapped, hunted and did various kinds of work to support his family, 
and was a hardworking man. He was unable to give his children an education of any great 
means, and our subject received most of his teachings from his mother and from the old books 
that he could borrow. He was Hke Lincoln, and would read for hours at night, not only from 
histories and odes and such, but from the Bible. He followed the writings of the prophets very 
closely, and his mother being a rehgious turned woman, it was not unconmion that he professed 
rehgion in 1830 and took up church work as his life's study and vocation. 

His first work along this hne was begun in a church located on the Stringtown Road leading 
to Evansville, where he appeared at times and preached. He became known throughout the 
entire section of Kentucky, even over to Red Banks, now Henderson, Ky., Indiana and IlUnois 
as a Presbyterian minister, having accepted that creed for his guidance in his work. He became 
prominent by his preachings at Rockport, Ind., then kno\vn as Yellow Banks, going there in 
1840. Mount Pisgah, one of tlie first churches of Warrick County, was founded by Rev. Ben 
Hall, the gromid for which was donated by Thomas F. Johnson. (See Sketch.) Rev. Hall 
appeared at Mount Pisgah once each month, following a circuit and preaching to the various 
communities over Southern Indiana. Mount Pizgah was begun in 1843 but was not completed 
until 1845. Such men as Thomas F. Johnson, Israel Hemenway, A. M. Phelps and John 
Brackenridge were supporters of the church. 

Rev. Hall and Abraham M. Phelps, one of the pioneer settlers of the county, became fast 
friends, and it was these two men who established Delany Academy at Newburg. Ebenezer 
Hall, a brother to the subject of this sketch, had been preaching at Newburg previous to the 
advent of his brother Benjamin. A. M. Phelps erected the first house of worship there, and in 
1841 Benjamin Hall became the pastor and continued his labors until 1863, a period of twenty- 
two years. In 1851 a different church was constructed and the original building donated to the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Academy or Delany Academy. 

In 1865 Rev. Hall removed to Iowa from Indiana and there became a circuit rider and 
was soon known all over the State as the great Presbyterian minister. He immediately fell into 
favor with the people and remained in Iowa until the time of his death, which occurred in 1885. 
Blood poisoning was the cause of his demise, brought on from continuous smoking, which was 
then practiced by nearly all ministers. 

Benjamin Hall was one of Warrick County's early framers. His work was the beginning 
of the advancement, which as yet, has never ceased. He was highly esteemed by his fellowmen 
and his seventy-three years of life were spent in beneficial work, of which all the people in the 
communities in which he mingled, were benefited. 



Israel, Hemenway, the son of John and Elizabeth (Day) Hemenway was born in Genessee 
County, New York, on January 18th, 1810. The Hemenwaj'S come from English stock, and 
the father of John Hemenway was a participant in the Revolutionary War. Tratlition has it 
that he was also a valuable fighter with the settlers against the Iroquois Indians, which devas- 
tated property and lives when they broke loose upon their expeditions of depredation and plunder. 

When our subject was ten years old, his parents and the other members of the family 
left New York for a home in the West, and after a long and toilsome journey they arrived at 



58 



Warkick and Its Prominent People. 



a little settlement which was named after General Evans, and which was planned by Hugh 
McGary. There were only a few huts there at that time, and McGary hved there in an open- 
faced camp, being a member of the rangers who carried on expeditions against the treacherous 
Indians. Jolni Hemenway located near the Ingle settlement. Great care was taken in crossing 
the unsettled coiuitry by John Hemenway and his wife, for at that time the red skins were in 
arms against the encroaching white people. The English had made friends with the Indians 
when Vincennes was captured from Colonel Hamilton in 1779 by General Clark, and on the 
eve of the war of 181'-2 the English had a standing reward for the settler's scalps, so the Indians 




ISRAEL HEMENWAY 



surprised the immigrants on tlicir westward journey, took them jirisoners and after treacher- 
ously murdering them, would take the scalps to the post trader at Detroit and be paid the price 
agreed upon, depending on the age and sex. At that time there were few incidents where the 
Indians .showed the milk of human kindness, and John Hemenway was alert for the prowling 
red skin as he came westward, for he knew as did General Sheridan, that "The only good Ind- 
ians are dead Indians." 

Education for Israel Hemenway was not to be had diu-ing the troublesome times of the 
second war for Independence. His mother was his chief teacher, but he learned much by his 



Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 59 



own efforts. When he once hearil something explained, he never forgot, and besides he was 
a wilUng listener and very bright. The greater part of Mr. Hemenway's education was secured 
after his arrival at a mature age, when he was engaged in business. It might be said that his 
education was received by his dealings. 

The death of John Hemenway took place when Israel was about twelve years of age. 
He had been to Evansville to secure some lumber and upon returning home, fell from the wagon 
and the wheels passed over his body, killing him ahnost instantly. Thus it devolved upon the 
son to become a supporter for his mother, and she apprenticed him to Joshua Stevens who owned 
a tannery at Evansville, with whom he remained until he was twenty-one years of age. 

Upon his leaving, Stevens, our subject, returned home where he married Hannah Hall, 
a daughter of Wilham Hall, who were English people also. The ceremony was performed at 
the home of William Hall on December 8th, 1831. Mr. Hemenway then purchased ten acres 
of land of the farm, now known as the Jahu Stone place and there entered in business for him- 
self, conducting a tannery. By his sa\angs, he was soon enabled to build him a comfortable home, 
and in 1833 he secured a grant of eighty acres from the Govermnent which he farmed and from 
which he reahzed considerable money. He still conducted his tannery however, and in 1832 
when the Erie Canal was being built, he employed a nmnber of shoemakers to work for him 
and carried on an extensive business with the canal workers. In 1850 Mr. Hemenway pur- 
chased one hundred and twenty acres more and added it to his farm, upon which he continued 
to live until 1860 when he moved to Boon\'ille. 

He sold his farm to Une Bethell, and coming to Boonville engaged in the dry goods busi- 
ness with John Johnson, his son-in-law, as a partner. In this business too much credit was 
given, and in 1875 the firm failed with $25,000 in accounts on their books. 

Israel Hemenway, in 1866, founded the Cumberland Presbyterian Chiu-ch at this place, 
donating $1,500 as his share. Others who were influential in the constructing of tlie church 
were John Johnson and Dr. W. G. Ralston. 

To liis union with Hannah Hall, Israel Hemenway was the father of ten children, only 
two of whom are now hviiig. The children are: Wilham James Lyon, Benjamin Ely McCluskey, 
Mary Elizabeth Emihne, Mariamnia, Israel Harrison, Sarah Ann, Harriet Sophia, Mary Isabel, 
Lucy Marian and Netta Paullena. Mrs. Mariamnia Johnson and Benjamin Hemenway are 
the only living children. Hannah Hall died in 187-1. Israel Hemenway was married a second 
time to Mrs. Ehzabeth Finch, a sister of Dr. W. G. Ralston. She died in 1905, childless. Israel 
Hemenway died April 7th, 1886. 



60 



Warrick and Its Prominent Teople. 




MRS. HANNAH HALL HEMENWAY 



H.VNNAH Hall IIemexw ay, wife of Israel Hemenway, and one of nine children born to 
William and Elizabeth Hall, was born in England, November 13, 1810. She came to the United 
States with her parents in 1820 and located near the Ingle settlement in what is now known as 
Vaiuierburgh County, then Warrick. She was married to Israel Hemenway on December 8th, 
1831. To this union ten ciiildren were born. (See sketch of Israel Hemenway for names.) 

Mrs. Hemenway was a person of highly intellectual qualities and was a kind and loving 
mother. She was a member of the C\nnberland Presbyterian Church. She died in 1874. 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



61 




THOMAS P. LITTLEPAGE 



Thomas Price liiTTLEPAGE was born on a farm in I^uce Township, Spencer County, 
Indiana, January 6, 1873. Graduated from common scliools in Spencer County. Taught 
school eight years. Sjient four years in George Washington University, Washington, D. C, 
taking the degrees of LL. B. and LL. M. Was appointed special attorney in the Bureau of 
Corporations and served in that capacity for several years. Resigned in April, 1906, to accept 
position as private secretary to Senator Henienway. 



Q-Z 



Warrick axd Its Prominent People. 




William Alexander was born 
in Warrick County, Indiana, near 
Chandler on February 19, 1823. His 
parents were Randolph and Malinda 
(Boon) Alexander, his mother Ijeing 
a tlaughter of Hon. RatUff Boon, ex- 
Governor of the State of Indiana, 
and for sixteen years Representative 
from the First Congressional Dis- 
trict in the National House of Rej)- 
resentatives. Our subject's grand- 
mother was Deliah Anderson of Ken- 
tucky, the daughter of Baily Anderson, 
who was one of the very first settlers 
of Warrick County, and about whom 
considerable mention will be found 
in the historical section of this history. 
Our subject received a com- 
mon school education, working on 
his father's farm during the spring 
and summer and attending school in 
tlie winter. However, he obtained 
most of his education after his mar- 
riage by pursuing a regular and sys- 
tematic course of study in the chim- 
ney corner at night. In March of 
1848 on the twenty-third day he was 
married to ]Miss Nancy J. Wilder, 
a daughter of Samuel J. Wilder of 
Vermont. Eleven children were the 
result of the union, one of which, 
William Franklin, died in infancy. 
The other children are: IVIrs. Mary 
Slaughter, Mrs. James A. Hemenway, 
Albert R., Andrew W'., Charles, 
Mrs. Belle W'ilder, George Homer, 
Robert Boon, Mrs. Will Stevens and 
Mrs. Charles Brizius. 

During the late war Mr. Alex- 
ander was a decided Union man and 
did much to aid the cause by helping 
to feed and clothe soldier's families, 
and otherwise encouraging the work 
of fighting our battles. He was a 
member of the Home Guards and 
kept a close watch that the }ieople 
of this -section of the State did not 
suffer at the hands of the marauders and guerilla parties that devastated land and home during 
tlio strife. Although he never took an active part in politics, he was a Repubhcan in belief, and 
was a strong Lincoln man in the presidential contest of 1860. 



WILLIAM ALEXANDER 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



63 



During the time from 1823 to 1882 ]\Ir. Alexander liad remained ui:)oii the farm near 
Chandler ten(ling his crops and cultivating the land. His farm was composed of very arable 
soil, and as a farmer he was a success in every sense of the word. In 1S82 he removed from 
Ohio Township to Boon\ille. He continued to conduct the business of his farm, going to and 
from there in a buggy. He died at his home in Boonville on Saturday, Ajiril 29th, 1899, at the 
age of seventy-six years, two months and ten days. Funeral services were held at the residence 
by Rev. Samuel Reid, interment taking place at Maple Grove Cemetery. ]Mr. Alexander, up 
to the time of his death, retained a wonderful vigor of mind. He was a highly respected citizen 
of Warrick Comity, a good husband and a kinil and indulgent father. 

Mrs. WilUam Alexander, the wife of our subject, is still living. She is seventy-nine 
years of age and resides with her son-in-law, Mr. Will Stevens. She is hale and hearty antl 
always looks to the better side of hmnan nature. Her qualities of mind are strong, and age 
has not feebled her mental powers. 



John Brackexhidcje H.\ndy, deceased, 
for several years Judge of the Second Judicial 
District of Indiana, was a careful student, a 
successful lawyer and an able and just judge. 
He was born at Washington, D. C, on August 
27th, 1828, being the eldest of a family of eight 
children born to Edward G. and Atillia A. 
Handy. Our subject was of Scotch-Irish de- 
scent, and was a nephew of John A. Bracken- 
ridge, one of the ablest pioneer lawyers of 
Southern Indiana. 

In 1841 his father moved to Boon\alle; 
resided on a farm in Hart Township for a while, 
and finally settled three miles west of Boon- 
ville. The monotony of farm life was not 
compatible with young John's nature, and when 
about sixteen years old, he ran away from home, 
and sought what he considered, more congenial 
employment. He hired to an old lady living 
on First Street in Evansville, to sell pies, cakes, 
pecans, oranges and fruits to the travellers on 
passing steamboats, and continued in that delectable business until he became even more dis- 
gusted with it than farm life, when he returned home. 

To magine the once grave judge a "jieanut vender" gives one an irresistible sense of the ludi- 
crous. He afterwards accepted a position as clerk in the store of his uncle, Thomas J. Bracken- 
ridge, at Carrs\'ille, Livingston County, Kentucky, which he held some time. As such things 
as schools were "few and far between" in that day, his educatioa was obtained chiefly through 
his own efforts. However, he attended Delany Academy at Newbiu-g a sliort time, which was 
then regarded one of the principal educational institutions in this section. He early mani- 
fested a great love for st>idy, and determined to become a lawyer. Accordingly he read some 
law under his uncle, John A. Brackenridge, and in the fall of 1852 he entered the law school 




JUDGE JOHN B. HANDY 



()4 



Warrick .\nd Its Prominent People. 



at Louis\-ille, Kv. Durinjif tlie sprin<r and summer of 1853 he attended law school at Lebanon. 
Tenn., and in tlie following fall was admitted to Warrick County bar. He moved to Newburg 
and there commenced the practice of law. 

On the 28th of May, 1854, he was married to Amanda E. Muir, daughter of Dr. Muir, 
one of the earliest physicians of Boonx-ille. Tiie result of this marriage was two children, only 
one of whom is now living, Pinta, tiie widow of E. W. Bethell, who was cashier of the Boon- 
ville National Bank for sometime. He resided at Newburg until 1862, when, in consequence 
of the war breaking out, causing a general stagnation of business, he removed to the old home- 
stead, three miles west of Boonville. 

In partnership with George W. Brackenridge, he commenced the practice of law in Boon- 
ville in 1862, but this partnership only lasted about one year, when it was dissolved, and the 
former removed to San Antonio, Texas, where he has resided ever since, and has become presi- 
dent of the First National Bank of that place. In October, 1872, IVIr. Handy was nominated 
by the Democratic party and elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the district com- 
prising the counties of Warrick, Vanderburgh, Gibson and Posey. In 1876 he was nominated 
by the Democratic party and elected Judge of the Second Judicial District, which was com- 
prised of Warrick, Sjjencer, Perry and Crawford counties. Our subject was a hard student 
of both law and general hterature and he possessed one of the largest and best selected libraries 
in Indiana. His death occurred June 22, 1896. 

In speaking of Judge Handy, George W. Brackenridge in a recent letter to the author 
says: "I looked upon him as one of the best read and purest men it had been my chance to meet. 
While reticent and rather aljrupt in manner, exhibiting but httle of the vast store of legal and 
ethical lore which his studious life had enabled him to collect, he was, nevertheless, an excellent 
character and a most worthy friend." 



George W. Brackenridge, second son of 
Hon. John A. Brackenridge was born near Boon- 
ville, Ind., on January 14, 1832. His early educa- 
tion was secm-ed in "the little log schoolhou.se over 
^. .^^ ^H by the hill" and he applied himself vigorously to 

Y 'Hp® J^ ^H tilt" spelling book and the arithmetic. He at- 

tended college at Bloomington, Ind., and later 
spent a few months in the Presbyterian University 
at Hanover. He studied engineering for a .short 
time and left college to take up the practice of 
engineering. 

At the age of nineteen he went to Texas, 
settling at Port Lavaca where he conducted a 
general store. From Port Lavaca he went to 
Saguin and then to Texana. At all of these places 
IVIr. Brackenridge was in business. At the out- 
break of the Civil War he returned to the North 
where he remained until 1865 when he retiu-ned 
to the South, settling at San Antonio. The fol- 
lowing year he founded tlie San Antonio National Bank, and since its organization he has been 
its only president. 




GEORGE W. BRACKENRIDGE 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



65 



During his many years of banking, Mr. Brackenridge has secured quite a foothokl in 
the path of success and has given very liberally to educational institutions. In Texas he is 
known as education's best friend. He has greatly promoted the public school system of San 
Antonio in its present state of high efficiency, ha^^ng been at various times the President of the 
School Board. From its earliest begimiings he has been a Regent of the State University, and 
it has received the advantages, not only of his wise counsel, but of donations from him in aid 
of buildings. 

Mr. Brackenridge is one of Warrick's great men, and Warrick has produced as many 
as any county ih Indiana. Mr. Brackenridge is not only Warrick's great man, but 
the Nation's as well. 



Dr. Robert J. Brackenridge, now located at Austin, Texas, was born in Boonville 
December 28, 1839. He is the son of John A. Brackenridge, a Henry Clay elector and an at 
torney of well known reputation, who was located in this section of the State at that time. His 
mother, Isabella Helena Brackenridge, nee Graham, was the daughter of James McCulla, or 
McCullough. Dr. Brackenridge's family moved to Texas in 1853, and during his boyhood 
days, he attendefl school and was a cowboy. Later he attended Hanover College in Indiana. 
He had some ex{ieriences in the army and participated in skirmishes with the Sioux Indians in 
Minnesota. He studied medicine with Dr. W. R. McMahan of Mankato, Minn., and was a 
graduate of Rush Medical College of Chicago in 1867. Dr. Brackenridge i)racticed medicine 
several years and then entered the banking business. Later he became president of the Fron- 
tier Telegraph Company in Texas, and for many years was president of the Austin Bible Society. 
Dr. Brackenridge's earliest recollections of Warrick County are of Benjamin Hall, an account 
of whom will be found elsewhere herein, Israel Hemenway, Superintendent of Mount Pisgah 
Sunday School and of two Sunday School teachers, a Mr. Kelso and Miss Haynes. He recalls 
the names of a few of the early school teachers, namely, Townsend Nolen, Mr. Stebbins, New- 
ton Pace, Miss Mary Ann DeForest and J. T. Brackenridge. 




CALEB S. DENNY 



Caleb S. Denny was born in Monroe 
County, Indiana, May 13, 1850. His father, 
James H. Denny, was a native of Mercer County, 
Kentucky, and his mother of Boutetourt County, 
Virginia. 

Caleb was the youngest of eleven children 

His father moved to Warrick County in 1853 

settUng on the farm adjoining Boonville on the 

north, in recent years known as the David 

Hart place. There the large family hved until 
after the death of James H. Denny, which occurred 
in December, 1861. 

Three of Caleb's brothers went to the war, 
and this caused a removal of his mother and the 
younger members of the family from the farm, and 
Caleb commenced to learn the tinner's trade in 
1863, as the public schools were then suspended. 
However, when Prof. J. D. Forest opened his 
school in the old Warrick County Seminary building 



G6 ^^ AiiRicK ajs:d Its Promixext People. 

in 1864, he abandoned his work in the tin shop and commenced to prepare himself for college. 
After his preparatory course, ending; wath a term at an academy at Edwardsport, in Knox County, 
he entered the Freshman class at Asbury (now DePauw) University in the fall of 1866. After 
passing through the Freshman and Sophomore years, he taught school in Warrick County for 
two years and then, at the age of twenty, went to Indianapolis as Assistant State Librarian. He 
has ever since resided at the capital. 

He had commenced the study of the law before lea^^ng Boonxnlle, in the ofGce of John B. 
Handy. After quitting the State Library in 1871, he read law in the office of Test, Coburn & 
Burns and was admitted to the bar in 1872. The next year he was appointed Assistant Attor- 
ney General of Indiana, and served one term in that capacity. He then took up the practice 
of the law, which profession he has ever since adliered to, being uninterrupted in his practice 
only when he held the office of Mayor. 

In 1882 he was elected City Attorney of Indianapolis and again elected to the same office 
in 1884. While serNing his second term, he was nominated for ISIayor by the Republican con- 
vention, winning on the second ballot over five prominent citizens of Indianapolis, namely: 
General George F. McGinnis, Judge John L. McMaster (the then incumbent of the office), 
General James R. Carnahan, David B. Shideler and Harvey B. Stout. His Democratic oppo- 
nent was Thomas Cottrell. ]\Ir. Denny was elected and assimied the duties of the office January 
1, 1886. 

He was unanimously re-nominated for the office of Mayor in the fall of 1887, and was 
elected by a largely increased majority over his Democratic opponent. Dr. George F. Edenharter, 
at present the Superintendent of the Indiana Central Hospital for the Insane. INIr. Denny 
declined to stand for a third term, having become anxious to resmne the active practice of the law. 

Judge Thomas L. Sidlivan, a Democrat, was elected to the office for two terms succeeding 
Mr. Denny's retirement, defeating General John Coburn and Hon. William W. Herod. 

l^l;e new city charter having been jmssed by the legislature, Mr. Denny was again induced 
to run for the office of Mayor in the fall of 1893, and his opponent was Judge Sullivan, who 
had been nominated the third time by his party. Perhaps the most stubbornly fought and ex- 
citing campaign that has ever occurred in the history of the capital city followed the nominations 
that year. Thomas Taggart was chairman of the Democratic city committee and had before 
carried his party to victory in the County and State, in two campaigns, as its chairman. ]Mr. 
Denny canvassed the entire city a-foot, going to the business houses and factories in the day- 
time and speaking from one to five times each night for a period of over three months. He 
was elected by the largest majority that had ever been given to any candidate for the office up to 
that time, while his opponent had received a corresjiondinglj' large majority two years before. 

After serving the term from 1893 to 1895, Mr. Denny again resimied the practice of his 
profession, and has allowed nothing to interfere with it since that time. He has since served, 
however, as Comity Attorney of Marion County for three terms. 

jMr. Denny was the Republican Elector of the seventh district in the recent Presidential 
campaign. He has always been identified with the work of the Republican party since he became 
a voter and has often served in an official capacity over party club organizations of Indianapolis. 

Mr. Denny was married ui the year 187-1 to Miss Carrie Lowe, of Indianapohs. ]\Irs. 
Joseph T. Elliott, Jr., of Indianapolis, Mrs. Horace F. Nixon, of Woodbury, New Jersey, and 
George L. Denny, at present the law partner of his father, are the children born to tliis union. 

It may be said in further referring to iNIr. Denny's political career, that he is the only candi- 
date for the office of Mayor of Indianapolis who ever succeeded on a platform of strict law enforce- 
ment. The only issue of any consequence entering into the three campaigns made by Mr. Denny 
was that issue of law enforcement alone, and it was never charged against him by anyone in 
any party, that he flid not live strictly up to the letter of the platforms and the jiledges made 
by him before the election. 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



67 



Mr. Denny has a number of relatives still living in and about Warrick and Monroe Coun- 
ties. He is, however, the only one now hving of his father's family. He sometimes visits his 
old home and has always felt a deep interest in his many friends and acquaintances who still 
live in this county. 

His father, mother, four brothers and one sister (Mrs. Benoni S. Fuller) lie buried in the 
old Boonville cemetery. 

ISIr. Denny is a member of the Columbia, Marion and other Republican organizations 
of Indianapolis, and has long been an officer in the Second Presbyterian Church there, serving 
at this time as an Elder in said Church. 



W'allace N. Denny was born in Boonville, 
Ind., September 26, 1870. His parents, Lud- 
well Denny and Isabel (Day) Denny, both died 
when he was four years old. He was raised on a 
farm six miles northwest of Boon\alle, living there 
until 1891; was deputy recorder of Warrick County 
under C. M. Walker, from August, 1895, to June, 
1897; assistant postmaster at Boonville under J. H. 
Thornburg, from July, 1897, to August, 1899; 
was elected clerk of the town of Boonville in May, 

1900; served as secretary of the Warrick County 
RepubUcan Central Committee during the cam- 
paign of 1900. In December, 1900, he accepted 
a clerkship in the United States Census Office, at 
Washington, D. C, resigning December 31, 1904, 
to accept a position with the C. P. White Lumber 
Company, of Boonville. He was elected chairman 
of the Warrick County Republican Central Com- 
mittee for the campaign of 1908. In 1909 he was 
appointed as chief dejnity in the State Statitician's 
oSice at IndianapoUs. 
The subject of this sketch was married in 1891 to Miss Alice N. Pursley. Two children 

have resulted from this union, both boys, Howard and George. Mr. Denny is a cousin to Caleb S. 

Denny of Indianapolis, and whose biograjihy is found elsewhere in this history. 




WALLACB N. DENNY 



The Hazen Family. 

The only authentic recorded data concerning the Hazen family in this country, dates 
no further back than 1619, when Edward Hazen, the American Ancestor, came over from Eng- 
land and settled in Rowley, Massachusetts. 

The history of his descendants to the third generation at least, is exceedingly meagre. 

Edward, the first Hazen in America, had three sons, Richard, Thomas and Edward. 
The sons of Thomas were John, Thomas II and Jacob. The sons of Thomas II were Joseph, 
Thomas III and Moses. 

Thomas III married Ann Tenny and had by her sixteen children. Their tenth son 
was Solomon, born November 24th, 1759. He married Theodora Pease on December 17th, 



68 Wahrick and Its Prominent People. 

1780; she died March 21st, 1827. He afterwards married Sarah Kilburii. His children, all 
the issue of his first marriage, were two daughters and seven sons. He served as a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War, in two regiments: first under Col. Peter Olcott of Vermont, and later under 
Col. Timothy Bedel of New Hampshire. Solomon died at Hartford, Vermont, July 26th, 1849, 
aged eighty -nine (89) years, eight (8) months and two (2) days. Solomon's eighth son was 
Zavan, born June 19th, 1796, married Abigail Patterson September 28th, 1818. They removed 
from West Hartford, Vermont, to Newburg, Indiana, in 1845, and resided there the remainder 
of their hves. He kept a hotel in Newburg for many years and was well knowni and highly 
esteemed. He was a leading member and for many years an Elder in the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church at Newburg. 

He was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died December 24th, 1873, aged seventy-seven 
years, six months and five days. His wife died February 9th, 1870, aged seventy-two years, 
ten months and thirteen days. They celebrated their golden wedding and his wife died about 
a year and a half after that. To the above union eight children were born, two died in 
infancy. 



Albert Hazen was the second son of Zavan. He was born in Hartford, Vt., November 
3, 1822. W'hile a boy, not quite fourteen years of age, he determined to go west to seek his for- 
tune. Accordingly, on the 10th of September, 1836, he left his native town and came direct 
to Newburg, where he arrived on October 10th. He was employed in the store of A. M. Phelps 
until the siunmer of 1845, when he started in the dry goods business on his own account. Later 
he engaged in the coal business, commission business, steamboating and farming. 

He and his brother-in-law, the late R. R. Roberts, sunk the coal shaft at the mouth of 
Cypress in the year 1853 and operated it for several years. It was one of the first coal shafts 
sunk in Warrick County. In 1866 he sunk the coal shaft at the Locust Grove and operated it 
for several years. 

He was a leading business man of Newburg for many years. He was an honored mem- 
ber and Past Grand of the Odd Fellows and a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge and a mem- 
ber of the ]\I. E. Church. He was united in marriage with Miss Eliza A. Roberts on December 
6, 1846. To this union six children were born, as follows: Gaines Homer, Sarah Maria, Robert 
Zavan, Dyer Barrett, Eliza Catharine and Henry Albert. EUza Catharine died in childhood; 
all the others are alive at this time. 

Their father, Albert Hazen, died February 23, 1890, aged sixty-seven years, three months 
and twenty days. Their mother, Eliza A. Hazen, received a common school education in New- 
burg and Boonville, and spent two years in college at Vincennes, Ind. She was a faithful mem- 
ber of the M. E. Church and a loj'al and working member of the Rebekah Degree Lodge of Odd 
Fellows, and was buried under the auspices of that Lodge at Newburg. She died November 22, 
1895, aged seventy-one years and fifteen days. 



Jacob Upp, great-grandfather of G. H. Hazen on his mother's side, was born in the 
Town of Little York, Penn.sylvania, in the year 1751. WTien the Revolutionary War began, 
he joined a company of volunteers in Little York that was sent with other troops to reinforce 
Grene al George Washington at Long Island. Soon after that, a battle was fought at that place 
and the American forces were defeated. He and many other American soldiers were taken 
prisoners. 

They were taken on a British man-of-war and sent to New York and held as prisoners 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 69 

of war for a long time before being exchanged. After his discharge, he was united in marriage 
with Miss EUzabeth Sprinkle, a daughter of Michael Sprinkle. In 1779 he, his father-in-law, 
Michael Sprinkle, and his six sons and their families came west to the Falls of the Ohio, (now 
Louisville, Ivy.) where a settlement had been formed. 

In 1792 Michael Sprinkle, five of his sons, Jacob Upp, and their families, removed west, 
to what at that time was called "Red Banks," which is now Henderson, Ky., and located there. 
A few months after setthng near Henderson, Jacob was captured by the Indians and taken to 
their country in the north and held as a prisoner, for several months. He finally escaped and 
returned to his family near Henderson. He and his wife raised a large family and hved to a 
good old age. He was the father of Catharine Upp, wife of the late Judge G. H. Roberts. 

In the spring of 1793, John Upp, like his father Jacob, was captured by the Indians and 
taken off to their country and held in captivity for several years. With him they took George 
Sprinkle and Isaac Knight. Finally John Upp and George Sprinkle were surrendered to Ameri- 
can soldiers at Fort Wayne, Ind., and later on returned to their homes at Henderson. 



Gaines H. Roberts was born in North Carolina May 13th, 1793; died at the home of 
his daughter, Mrs. Eliza A. Hazen, in Anderson Township, on June 1st, 1863, aged seventy 
years and eighteen days. 

He settled in Ohio Township, near Newburg, early in the year of ISli. He was united 
in marriage with. Miss Catharine Upp of Henderson, Ky., in the year of 1815 and went to house- 
keeping in a one-roomed log cabin near Newburg. 

The next morning one side of the cabin floor was covered mth snow. 

To this union nine children were born. Five died in infancy. Gaines and Sarah hved 
to manhood and womanhood, but died single. Rufus R. and Ehza A., twin brother and sister, 
hved to raise large famihes. Judge Gaines H. Roberts was one of the pioneers of Warrick 
County. 

He was of Enghsh descent. He was prominent in business affairs and quite active in 
pohtics, being a democrat. 

He served as Representative and Senator in the Indiana Legislature and served one 
term as Associate Judge and one term as Common Pleas Judge. He was a member of the 
Methodist Church. With him, hfe was a success. For a munber of years, he and A. M. Phelps 
were the two wealthiest men in Warrick County. His wife, commonly known in her day as 
"Aunt Katie," was of German descent and was the daughter of John Upp. She was a leading 
member of the Methodist Church, always attending the services, especially the class meetings. 
She was known, far and wide, as a devout Christian. 

She was born June 12, 1793, and died June 23, 1854, at the age of sixty-one years and 
eleven days. 



Gaines Homer Hazen was born in Newburg, Indiana, on October 26th, 1847. He 
was the eldest son of Albert and Ehza A. Hazen. He received a common school education. 
Graduated in the Wells & Khner Commercial College of Evansville, Indiana, in 1866. Began 
reading law with Galen Spencer in Newburg, in 1868. Entered the law office of Warren & 
Mattison of Evansville, in 1869, and remained with them one year. Was admitted to the bar 
in Evansville in the spring of 1869. Entered the law school of the State University at Bloom- 



70 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



ington, Indiana, in Octoljer, 1870, and gratluated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in the 
class of 1871. Located in Bloomington and practiced law for two years. 

Was united in marriage with Miss Emma J. Beatly, of Bloomington, on June 2-1, 1873. 
They then removed to Newburg where he practiced law until November, 1880, when they re- 
moved to Boonville and he formed a law partnership with Hon. S. B. Hatfield, on November 15, 




GAINES HOMER HAZEN 

1880. IVIr. Hatfield withdrew from the firm on March 31, 1885. Homer continued in the prac- 
tice of law vmtil July 10, 1893, when he purchased the Boonville Enquirer. He then withdrew 
from the law and devoted his whole time to the publication of the Enquirer. Starting in life 
poor, he and his wife met many obstacles, but by push and energy they have succeeded fairly 
well. 

He has lu'kl tiie following {)ositions of trust: Treasurer of Newburg for one J'ear; Deputy 



Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 



71 



Proseouting Attorney twelve years, under the following Prosecutors: E. R. Hatfield, two years; 
G. L. Rheinhardt, four years; S. B. Hatfield, four years, and William Land, two years. He 
was Probate Commissioner one term under G. Ij. Rheinhardt. Served seven years as County 
Attorney for Warrick County and one year as attorney for the Town of Boonville. He was 
the nominee of his party for Prosecuting Attorney of the second Judicial District in 1888, on 
the Democratic ticket, but went down in defeat with his party. 




mrs. g. h. hazen 
His Lodge Kecord. 

He joined the Odd Fellows and the Encamjiment, in Bloomington, in 1871, passed through 
the chairs and represented both branches in the Grand Lodge. 

Joined the Knights of Pythias in Newburg, in 1874, passed through the chairs and repre- 
sented his lodge in the Grand I^odge. Served one year as member of Committee of Subordinate 



72 Warrick and Its Prominent People. 

Lodge Returns, and one year on Committee on tlie State of the Order. Served one term each 
in the offices of Grand Inner Guard, Grand IVIaster at Aims and Grand Prelate. 

Joined Boonville Court No. 59, Tribe of Ben Hur, on February li, 1896, and was made 
Past Chief on the institution of the lodge. He was elected Representative from the State of 
Indiana to the Supreme Lodge, in January, 1900. 

He was appointed a member of the Executive Committee of the Supreme Tribe, on Au- 
gust 16, 1901, and has been re-elected by the Supreme Lodge twice since. His present term 
will expire in May, 191 '2. 

He joined Boonville District Court, No. 519 Court of Honor, on November 3, 1897, and 
passed through the chairs of that lodge. 

He joined P^vansville Lodge, No. 116, B. T». O. Elks, on March 9, 1904, and at this time 
is a member in good standing in all of the above orders. 

His marriage to Miss Emma J. Beatly was blessed with one child, a daughter, Nellie A., 
born October 25, 1874. She received a common school education, graduated in the Boonville 
High School, and later attended college at St. Mary's, Terre Haute, Indiana. 

She was united in marriage with Mr. Eugene H. Gough on May 10, 1900. This union 
was blessed with two .sons, Harold Hazen, born Ajnil 10, 1901, and Eugene LeRoy, born an- 
uary 9, 1904. 

INIrs. Emma J. Hazen was the ninth child of Dr. James M. Beatly and wife. She was 
born in Bloomington, Indiana, on April 3. ISol . Was united in marriage with G. H. Hazen, 
on June 24, 1873. Lnited with the Christian Church in childhood. On removing to Boon- 
ville, she united with the Missionary Baptist Church; when it disbanded she united with tlie 
Cumberland IVsbyterian Church. She always took great interest in church work, held the 
office of Deaconess in the church for several years. She was quite a lodge worker. Passed 
through the chairs in the Rebekah Lodge; represented her Lodge in the Grand Assembly and 
served one term as Grand Chaplain. Passed through the chairs in the Court of Honor and 
also in Boonville Court No. 59, Tri])e of Ben Hur. Was a member of the Supreme Lodge of 
the Tribe of Ben Hur and .served one term as (iiand Inner Gate Keeper. 



Warkick and Its Prominent People. 



73 




JUDGE ROSCOB KIPER 

Judge Roscoe Kiper, the present Judge'in tliej'udicial circuit, composed of Warrick 
and Spencer Counties, was born in Leitchfield, Grayson County, Ivy., June 2, 1874. He was 
the seventh child of James D. and Louisa (Fuller) Eper. James D. Kiper was born in Ken- 
tucky, his early ancestors having emigrated from Connecticut and Virginia. Roscoe's father 
served four years in the war of the rebellion, and participated in some fifteen or more battles. 



74 Wakkick and Its Prominent People. 

serving as Sergeant of the Twenty-seventh Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. At the close of the 
war he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church and has been active at this 
vocation for the last forty years. 

Judge Kiper, who is of Scotch-Irisli descent, attended the common schools in Kentucky 
for three years, when his parents moved to Indiana in 1883, where he continued to attend 
the common school. He secured a position as clerk in a general store, and while not at- 
tending to trade,studied and read all the law books that he could get his hands on. Bj' the 
accumulation of the small savings from the sale of newsjmpers and the jierformance of other 
labor which he could find to do, he succeeded in graduating from commercial college and after- 
wards entered the emplojTnent of a conunercial house. He borrowed books from the members 
of the bar and read law during his sj>are moments. He also received instruction from many 
of the most able lawyers of the time. 

He was admitted to the Warrick County bar in 1893, and began the practice of law in 
Boonville in partnership with Hon. Chas. W. Armstrong. It was while he was a partner with 
ISIr. Armstrong that he secured the greater jiart of his legal education. His pathway led through 
the hard school of experience, and he fought his way single handed and alone. By his o^\'n 
efforts he succeeded in attending the Law School, Department of the University of IndianapoUs 
while under the management of ex-President Benjamin Harrison, and the late Judge Wilham O. 
Fishback. Of an even and judicial turn of mind and learned in law, being an indefatigable 
worker and ajjplying hunself diligently, previous to his election to the judicial bench in 1904, 
he was recognized as one of the ablest attorneys in this section of the State. 

In politics. Judge Kiper is a Republican and has accepted several positions with his 
party organization, being chairman of the comity organization in 1900. Up to the tune of his 
election as Judge, he served as County Attorney. 

In the campaign of 1904 Judge Kiper was nominated at Lincoln City, as the Republican 
candidate for Judge of the Secontl Judicial Circuit. He made an active campaign and this re- 
sulted in his election by a substantial majority. During the time that Judge Kilmer has been 
on the bench, some of the most celebrated cases, involving many important legal questions, have 
been tried before him, and his rulings and decisions have been generally considered just and fair. 

Our subject was married to Nannette Zimmerman of Lynnville, Ind., on July 1, 1897, 
and three children are the result of this union, two sons and one daughter, Kenneth R., James 
Clintt).! and Agnes Lucile. Judge Kijier resides in Boonville and is highly respected by his 
fellow citizens. He is a member of the Masonic and several other fraternal societies. 

His measure of success is the result of close api)lication to his profession, and by his un- 
aided efforts has overcome many of the obstacles incident to the life of a country school boy, 
surrounded by moilerate circumstances. 

Judge Kijier is closely attached to the interests of his home city and county, and stands 
among those who assist in their develoinnent. 

Besides being well versed in the law, the judge has acquired an enviable reputation as 
a public sjxjaker of no little ability, and frequently dehvers public lectures on educational anil 
moral subjects. 



Judge J. W. B. Moore was born near Waterloo, Seneca County, N. Y., on the 5th day 
of November, 1801. He was an only child, and early left an orphan, his father having been lost 
at sea leaving him and his mother in limited circumstances, but j)ossessed of a small farm near 
Waterloo. The son worked on the farm in the spring and summer and attended such schools 
as the county attorded in the autumn and whiter. He early obtained a thorough knowledge of 



W.AJtRK'K AA'D Its Prominent 1'eople. 



the theory of the practice of bookkeeping, which was of great advantage to him in later hfe. 
^Vllen he was about eighteen years old he became very anxious to read law with his uncle, Joel 
W. Bacon, then a distinguished lawyer of Western New York, but his niotlier hatl, from some 
cause or other, imbibed an unreasonable prejudice against the profession, and she determined 
that he should not in any event become a la\vyer; and, being a woman of more than ordinary 
firmness, she had her way. She afterwards induced him to apprentice himself, as was then 
the custom, to Dr. Wells, the leading physician and surgeon of that locality, with whom he re- 
mained some two years. His mother, meantime marrying a second husband, and the profession 




JUDGE J. W B. MOORE 



of medicine being distasteful to him, he finally concluded to abandon it and come West. He 
had some difficulty in obtaining his mother's consent, who always had great influence over him. 
and for whom he always retained the greatest affection and reverence. This was, howe\er, 
at last obtained, and he started on horseback, with but a scant supply of money, and without 
any well defined notions as to where he would stop. His journey must have been inexpressi- 
bly tedious and lonesome. 

Shortly after he started he took the ague, with which he was afflicted at frequent intervals 



76 Warrick and Its Prominent People. 

for some two years and more. The chill ^^•oukl come on frequently when he was in a wilder- 
ness, far from any habitation or hmuan beings. At such times he would get down from his 
horse, unsaddle, tie the horse to a tree, using the saddle for a pillow and the blanket for a cov- 
ering. When sufficiently recovered, he would mount and pursue his journey. He traveled 
westward imtil he arrived at Indianapolis, which had been recently laid out, and designed for 
the capital of the State. Here he found an uncle, Seth Bacon, who owned a saw-mill, and who 
gave him employment in it until something better should offer. His uncle was very kind to him, 
which the Judge afterwards had ample opportunity of repaying with interest. The luicle, in 
liis old days, lost his j)roperty and became broken in health and energy, with a large family on 
his hands to support. The Judge, hearing of his condition, visited him, and brought him from 
the central part of this State, and after providing him with the necessary supplies, placed him 
on a good farm, where he remained until his death. Folsomville now stands on a part of the farm. 
After working awhile in the mill, as has been stated, he obtained a school which he taught 
until he made the acquantance of James Linton, of Charleston, Clark County, Indiana, where 
he afterwards moved. This gentleman was a merchant, and employed young Moore to sell 
goods and to keep books. He went with Mr. Linton to Charleston, where he remained several 
years. After remaining awhile with JNIr. Linton, he obtained emjilojiuent of Mr. Austin, in 
the capacity of salesman and bookkeeper. Soon after going to Charleston he united himseK 
with the old school Presbyterian Church, in which faith he had been reared. Finally he went 
into business with IVIr. Shockly, as a partner, receiving a part of the profits for his services as 
manager, salesman and bookkeeper. 

On the third day of December, 1827, he and Orra M. Shelby were married. She was 
the youngest daughter of Isaac Shelby who was then, and who had been for some years, clerk 
of the Cl-irk County Circuit Com-t. Soon after his marriage he moved his family to Rockport, 
Spencer County, bringing with him a small stork of goods, but no capital except unlimited credit 
at Louisville, which was then the emporium of this section. Having remained in business at 
Rockport about a year he sold his stock of goods, and bought of John Williams the farm upon 
which Henry Beeler resided for many years. He immediately moved to his farm, and was, in 
the com-se of years, elected Probate Judge of the County, which he held luitil elected clerk of 
the Warrick Circuit Comt, receiving his certificate of qualifications, which was then required by 
liw before he could be commissioned, from Judge Goodlet, father of N. M. Goodlet, Esq., a 
former resident of Evans\'ille. In 1844 he was re-elected clerk and recorder for seven years, 
and it was universally conceded that he was the best clerk in Southern Indiana. In 1856 he 
was elected Judge of the Common Pleas District, composed of this and Vanderburgh Counties, 
ami served a term of four years. 

In 1861 when President Lincoln issued his first proclamation for 75,000 men. it created 
intense e.Kcitement in this locahty. The President was pronounced a tyrant ami usurper, 
and the call was characterized as miconstitutional, and an outrage upon the South. Judge 
Moore took the side of his country, procured posters to be struck and to be put up, calling meet- 
ings all over the county, at which he appeared, justified the action of the President and urged young 
men to enlist, to maintain the integrity of the Union. In 1862 he, notwithstanding his age, en- 
listed as a private in Capt. Pace's Company, 1st Ind. Cavalry, Governor Baker commanding, 
and went with his regiment to the southwest and particijjated in the battle of Frederickstown. 
He remained with his regunent nearly two years, but a soldier's life proved too much for his 
constitution, and he wjis compelled to accej)t a discharge, much against his wishes. 

He was a man of great firmness of will and energy of purpose of what he conceived to 
be right. When he moved to the farm as has been mentioned, it was like all others, incum- 
bered with deadened timber, which had to be removeil before it could be cultivated witli any 
success or i)rofit. It was then the universal custom to have whiske\' at all log rollings, barn 
raisings, etc. He determined not to have whiskey on his farm, and so e.\pressed himself. His 



Warrick ajvd Its Prominent People 



77 



neighbors remonstrated, and assured him that he would not be able to get his logs rolled, barns 
raised or harvesting done without it. lie jiersisted in his determination and to the credit of the 
neighbors, be it said, not one refused to assist him. The good example he set was soon fol- 
lowed by all, and thus a pernicious, degrading custom was entirely abrogated. 

When he moved to this county he found no Presbyterian Church, nor any Presbyterians; 
but believing it to be his duty to unite himself with some one of the numerous families of the 
Church of God, he chose the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he remained a consistent 
and acceptable member from about 18S0 until the time of his death. In those early days 




MRS J. W. B MOORE 

preachers were few, and chiu'ch houses still fewer. His house was often used as a preaching 
place and was always a welcome house to the itinerant, those moral heroes who worked out the 
way for the car of progress, and to whom we are greatly indebted for our advanced positions 
in respect to religion and intelligence. 

Thus lived and died an honest man, a sincere Christian, a kind husband and an indul- 
gent father, of whom it may be said that his last days were his best days. 

He left a widow, the wife of his early years, also two daughters, ]VIi-s. T. W. Hammond, 
now deceased, and Mis. J. B. Ashley, and two sons, Isaac S., deceased, and Robert D. O. 
Moore; several grandchildren, and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



Robert A. Smith was born in Boonville on 
June 13tli, ISST. He attended the subscription 
school in Boonville and then attended the Indiana 
State University, from which he was a graduate 
in 1850. Upon his return to Boonville he became 
Comity Auditor, from which office he resigned 
three years later to become private secretary to 
Gov. Gorman, the second territorial governor of 
Minnesota. 

Mr. Smith arrived in St. Paul on May 11, 
1853, and besides his duties as secretary to Gover- 
nor Gorman, also served as territorial librarian. 
In 1856 Ramsey County picked him out and held 

him twelve years as county treasurer. Then for 
three terms he was city alderman in St. Paul, serving 
two terms as president of the council. Meanwhile 
he sandwiched in two terms in the Legislature of 
Minnesota, ser\'ing in both branches, the House 
and the Senate. Later while postmaster of St. 
Paul, he resigned in his fourth year to become 
Mayor, which office he heltl seven consecutive times. Althougli a Democrat in a Republican 
city, his true worth allowed him to stand for more than a half century in the fierce light of public 
office and not to be discredited. 

At the present time, Mr. Smith is behind the curtain in politics in St. Paul, having served 
out his last term as mayor of that city and retired. He has witnessed the growth of St. Paul 
from an unorganized village to its present grand proportions, and dm-ing his mayoralty, every 
department of municipal activity has called forth praise from cities all over the land as being 
worthy of imitation. 

Boonville little realizes the esteem in which Mr. Smith is held by the people of St. Paul 
and Minnesota. They only know that he is a Warrick County product, and are proud of the 
fact. When the former mayor visited Boonville some three years ago he found, that with one 
or two exceptions, no one knew him as the bare foot boy that had formerly run and played in 
the streets of their town. He found that even the Court House, in which he was the first to 
hold office (the court house torn down to make room for the present edifice) was gone. 

Although eighty-one years of age, Mr. Smith's days are far from being numbered. He 
still has many years of hearty life before him, and Boonville patiently awaits his return to 
the home of his youth. He is one of the great, good men of the nation, and of him the Boon- 
ville peo{)le are proud indeed. 




ROBERT A SMITH 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



79 




DR. REUBEN C. MATTHEWSON 



Dr. Reuben Clark Matthewson, de- 
ceased, of Boonville, was born October 16, 1804, 
ill Steuben County, New York. His parents were 
Oliver and Agnes Matthewson, who were both 
liirge, healthy and robust persons, and lived to be 
\ery old. The father died at the age of eighty- 
two of ajioplexy, very suddenly; the mother, whose 
maiden name was Clark, of heart disease, aged 

about seventy-five years. She was the descendant 
of a highly intellectual family, and was herself a 
lady of very superior intellect, and it is thought 
by the relatives that the subject of this sketch is 
indebted to her for most of that ability which he 
displayed through his career from boj'hood to old 
age. The family moved from theii- home in New 
York in 1817 to the Towai of Princeton, Gibson 
Comity, Ind., where they located, and where the 
father and mother ever after lived, and where they 
died and lie buried. Young Reuben was thirteen 
years old at this time, and had been sent to school 
but little. He very early in life displayed a fondness for books and music, to which he ever 
clung with great tenacity, although the father wished him to be a carpenter, the trade which he 
himself followed. About this time young Reuben was sent to school to Dr. Ira Bostwick, a 
gentleman of very excellent scholastic attainments and pohshed manners. Teacher and pupil 
soon became warmly attached to each other and this relation was never broken until the death 
of Dr. Bostwick, many years after the manhood of the pupil. At a later period in life he received 
tuition in Princeton from WilUani Chittenden, a gentleman of very high literary attainments, 
and in this school he may be said to have graduated, for he never attended afterwards. He 
was now about twenty years old, diffident, quiet and very reserved; evincing a marked jiassion 
for books, and reading much in solitude. He expressed to his father a desire to read medicine, 
but Mr. Matthewson tried to discourage him, telling him that he did not possess the capacity 
of scholarship to engage in such high notions. He was, however, permitted to enter the office 
of Dr. Chas. FuUerton, a practicing physician in I'rinceton of more than ordinary reading for 
that time and place. Dr. Fullerton was also a fine musician, and teacher of both vocal and 
instrumental music, and here the student of medicine spent much of his leisure time in learning 
melodies and harmonies which were of great use to him in early life. He also studied the lan- 
guages, particularly Latin, French and German, and was a regular subscriber and reader of 
a German newspaper for many years. He was licenseil to jiractice medicine at the age of twenty- 
two, and at once located at Boonville, where he began his rounds in the liealing art. He was 
married to Miss Lorinda Baldwin of Boonville, on February 16, 1828. Miss Baldwin was a 
young lady of good family, a native of the State of New York, and possessed many attractive 
charms both of mind and person. She died August 19, 1860, a Uttle more than forty-eight years 
old, after a long and lingering disease, greatly lamented by all her numerous friends and rela- 
tives. In some business speculation in 183'2 or 1833 Dr. Matthewson became much involved 
financially. He therefore gave up his practice in Boonville and went to Bardstown, Ky., where 
he was made professor of music in the college at that place. He filled the chair with entire 
satisfaction for several years and then returned to his own home and the practice of his pro- 
fession, having made enough in the time by his knowledge of music to pay off all his liabilities 



80 Warrick and Its PROivnNENT People. 

and start him anew. He was always a hard student of medicine, as his books of reference evince 
by their many marginal notes. He was a very skillful, successful and consequently a very popu- 
lar physician. In his diagnosis and prognosis of diseases he excelled most practioners, hence 
to his opinion was given great weight in critical and doubtful cases. He was never a graduate 
in medicine, but attended a partial course of lectures in the Ohio Medical college, of Cincinnati 
yet he knew more about the real and scientific principles and details of the medical sciences 
than most of the medical professors and teachers in the medical colleges of this day. He con- 
fined himself closely to his profession, wdth the exception of the time he was engaged in teaching 
music in the Bardsto\vn College, for nearly fifty years. His children were five in nmnber, three 
sons and two daughters. Two of his sons died in 1847, before they were grown; this was his 
first great trouble, and after this he was never known to laugh so heartily as before. His other 
son lived until March 22, 1906, after many years in the drug business in Boonville. Isabella 
Helen, the second child and eldest daughter was married in April, 1850, to Dr. W. G. Ralston. 
(See sketch.) Lucy Marie, the other daughter and youngest child, a very beautiful and fasci- 
nating young lady and the favorite of her father, was married to John Brackenridge in April, 
1876, and died in June of the same year, just two months after her marriage. Dr. Matthewson 
was a prudent and successful business man and acquired considerable property, and was always 
regarded as honest and upright. He was for many years skeptical in religious matters, but 
later in life he often said that his former notions had undergone a change, and that he now en- 
tertained the hofx; and belief that the soul was immortal and would live in the future. He was 
entertaining in conversation, having read almost everything that he considered worthy of perusal, 
making him an acquisition in the social circle. His physical ap{)earance was fidl and erect; 
his complexion was florid; he had full sparkling hazel eyes and red hair when young, which 
became almost white before his death; his weight was about one hundred and sixty pounds, 
and his height five feet ten inches. In pohtics, he was an old Whig, and afterwards a Ilepubli- 
can, but was never a candidate for political favor. He filled the office of postmaster of Boon' 
ville for four years, from 1841 to 1845. He died June 22, 1876, of a brief illness, supposed to 
be heart disease; but had been in a feeble state of health for several years, which was doubtless 
a gradual softening of the brain. A large numl)cr of his friends and the excellent Saxhorn Band, 
to which he had belonged for many years, attended his funeral. He was biu-ied in Maple Grove 
Cemetery near the To\\ni of Boon\dlle. 

Author's Note — -Chas. N. Ralston, of Evansville, Ind., has in his possession, an old 
fiddle used by Dr. Matthewson while instructor of music at Bardstown, Ky., and Avhich his 
son now uses. The instrument is valued very much and passed from Reuben C. Matthewson 
to his son Charles C. and from him to Mr. Ralston. 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



81 




CHARLES C. MATTHBWSON 



Charles C. Matthewson, deceased, 
for many years one of Boonville's most promi- 
nent business men and a very popular druggist, 
was a native of Boonville, and was born June 
G, 1840, being one of five children born to Dr. 
Reuben C. and Lora (Baldwin) Matthewson, 
a sketch of whom is included herein. He re- 
ceived a common school education in the 
schools of Boonville, and like his fatlier, evinced 
a marked passion for books and read much in 

solitude. He read scientific and medical jour- 
nals and was very fond of music. Much of his 
learning along musical hues was taught him by 
his father. Likewise he was an excellent voca- 
list, and for many years and even up to the 
time of his death, he sang in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church choir. 

After completing his common school 
studies, the subject of this sketch began work 
in his father's store where he remained until 
the fall of 1861 when he enhsted as a musician 

in the regular band of the Forty-third Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, and served six months 
when he was mustered out with the band. Mr. Matthewson then returned to his native towoi 
and again took his place in his father's store where he remained until 1873, when he assumed 
control of the business, his father becoming old and feeble and unable to perfoim the duties of 
his work. Upon the death of his father in 1876, he assumed proprietorship of the drug store 
and conducted same until his death on March 22, 1906. During the thirty years of his proprietor- 
ship of the pharmacy, he became known as one of the best pharmacists in Warrick County, 
and his opinion always carried w^eight and strength in critical cases. 

Several years previous to his deatli Dr. Matthewson, as he was known, showed his love 
for tilings that pertained to tlie musical and the dr%na by donating the site for an opera house, 
and in honor of him was called "Matthewson Theater," or more connnonly, "The Matthewson 
Opera House." Mr. Matthewson was allowed a box in the play house and was always present 
at the performances, showing an immense pleasiu-e in watching the drama or musical comedy 
enacted. 

Our subject being a very prudent business man, accumulated considerable property 
during his Hfe time, and was a director in the Boonville National Bank for several years, having 
considerable stock in that banking estabhshment. He was aLso prominent in many other busi- 
ness transactions, and it might be said that he was foremost, din-ing his entire life time, in every- 
thing tending to the business or social advancement and improvement of his town and county. 
He was held in the highest esteem by all, and in a quiet way was very benevolent. In politics 
he was a Re{)ubhcan, but shunned favors. His remains lie buried at Maple Grove Cemetery 
near Boonville. 



82 



Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 




DR. W. G. RALSTON 



William G. Ralston, well knowii jJiysi- 
cian of Evansville and pioneer citizen of War- 
rick County, was born in Princeton, Gibson 
County, Ind., February 13, 1819, where he re- 
ceived his elementary education from the then 
imjierfect schools of Gibson Comity. His 
paternal grandfather, William Ralston, partici- 
pated in the siege of Yorktowai, when Corn- 
walb's surrendered to Washington, also in the 
war of 1812. His maternal grandfather, Major 
Joseph Neely, was major of a regiment in the 
revolutionary war, and was also in the siege of 
Yorktowai. Andrew Ralston (father) was a 
soldier in the war of 1812, having entered when 
he was but eighteen years old. He was married 
in 1818 to Miss Patsy Neely, daughter of Major 
Joseph Neely, of Kentucky. Their union was 
blessed with five chiklren, of whom the subject 
of this sketch was the first. William G. Rals- 
ton spent his early boyhood days working on 
his father's farm in siunmer and attending the 
common schools in winter. This monotonous 
life continued until 1840, when he realized 
some better results by teaching school, which he did for one year. In 1841 he located in Posey 
County, Ind., and began the study of medicine under tlie preceptorship of Dr. Joseph Neely, 
who was then practicing at Cynthiana. After a four years' course of hard study there, he located 
in Boonville, Ind., where he practiced medicine until 1863. He attended a partial course of 
lectures at Cincinnati in the Ohio Medical College and afterwards was graduated from the 
Medical College of Evansville. From 1845 to 1863 Dr. Ralston followed his profession in Boon- 
ville and the adjoining counties of Spencer, Pike and Vanderburgh. In those days when bridle 
paths served as highways in many i)ortions of the coimtry, the j)hysician who did a riding prac- 
tice, found it very laborious, and in covering the territory on horseback he endured many hard- 
ships that would break down ordinarily the best constitution. No matter how rough the 
weather, nor how dark the night. Dr. Ralston was ever ready to answer the signal of distress 
and his indomitable will carried him through, and it is a remarkable fact that he was never 
sick but one week consecutively. 

At the beginning of the CIaiI War he was appointed by Governor ]\Iorton surgeon of the 
Eighty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers. After serving less than one year in the army of the 
Cumberland, and while he was still engaged with his regiment, he was appointed surgeon of 
the Board of Enrolhnent of the First Congressional District of Indiana. The secretary of war 
made the appointment without the knowledge of Dr. Ralston. He examined over 10,000 
volunteers, substitutes and drafted men, and continued in that position until May 30, 1865, 
when he returned to the practice of his profession, locating in Evansville. He was appointed 
United States Surgeon at the Marine Hospital at Evansville, in which capacity he served four 
years, and he has also served sLvteen years as TTnited States pension examiner at Evansville, 
and is .still in that sernce. 

He is a member of I. O. O. P., Crescent Lodge No. 122, of Evansville, and for nearly 
three score years has been a prominent, consistent and helpful member of the Cumberland 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 83 



Presbyterian Church. PoHtically he was originally a Whig, but has been a Republican since 
the organization of that party, faithfully exercising at all times the rites of citizenship. By his 
faithfulness and kindness in the discharge of his duties he has greatly endeared himself to every- 
one in Evans\'ille and vicinity. He is a man of the most remarkable energy, and while devoted 
to practicing medicine, he patented the "Ralston Bed Warmer," of which probably every reader 
has heard. 

Dr. Ralston was united in marriage in April, 1850, to Miss Isabella Matthewson, daughter 
of Dr. Reuben C. Matthewson. (See sketch.) Mrs. Ralston was born September 20, 1830, 
and died in 1882. Their union was blessed with three children, as follows: William M., Charles 
N., and Andrew G. The eldest of these died in Texas in 1885. Although past ninty years, 
Dr. Ralston has an excellent memory and to the author recalled many valuable incidents con- 
nected with primitive Warrick, the gist of which are to be found in the historical section. 



Edward Claire Hargrave, one of six children born to William J. and Louan (Day) 
Hargrave, was born on October 14, 1866, in Boonville, Warrick County, Indiana. Wliile very 
young his parents moved from Boonville to the country, where he attended the country schools 
up to the eighth grade, and then came to Boonville to attend High School. Mr. Hargrave be- 
gan his business career in 1884 as a clerk under C. C. Ferguson, and in 1888 he attended Bryant 
and Stratton's Business College at Louisville Ky. In the same year he was appointed deputy 
clerk and served under his father. Upon the expiration of his term as deputy clerk he turned 
to the insurance business, but served as deputy treasurer from 1895 to 1896. He has also served 
one term as member of the city council. Mr. Hargrave was married on May 14, 1891, to Cora L. 
Picker, daughter of C. F. Picker, and about whom a brief sketch will be found elsewhere. Two 
children are the result of the marriage, one boy and one girl, namely, Fred age 16 and Edith 
age 10. The subject of this sketch is one of Boonville's leading citizens and is an upright and 
honest citizen. At present he is a director of the Maple Grove Cemetery Association, and also 
director and secretary of the Warrick County Orphans' Home. He is a RepubUcan in politics 
and takes an active part in the cause of his party. He is a member of the Main Street Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church of this place; also a member of the Masons and Knights of Pythias fra- 
ternal organizations. 



William M. Hoggatt, attorney and counselor-at-law (deceased) was born in Orange 
County, December 5, 1839, one in a family of nine children born to Wilford and Elizabeth 
Wells) Hoggatt, who were natives respectively of North and South Carolina and who came 
with their respective parents to Indiana when the State was yet in its infancy. William M. 
was reared to manliood in his native county, receiving in youth such educational advantages 
as were common that day. He afterwards entered Asbury University, from which he received 
the degree of "A. M.," in 1863, and one year later graduated from the law department of the 
State University. Immediately after this he located for the practice of his profession at Mount 
Vernon, Ind., where he remained until 1877 engaged in active practice. In 1866 he was elected 
district attorney for the counties of Posey, Vanderburgh, Gibson and Warrick, retaining that 
position two years. From 1877 until the time of his death, twelve years later, he occupied a 
prominent position at the bar of Warrick County, residing in Boonville. Mr. Hoggatt was 
married November 4, 1864, to Isabella Bacon, by whom he became the father of two sons 



84 Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 

Wilford 13., present Governor of Alaska, and Herbert E. The mother died in November, 1874, 
and July 4, 1877, Mr. Hoggatt married Mrs. Gertrude (Burtis) Nettleton. He died at Newburg, 
July 4, 1889, five later after he was a candidate for Reporter of the Supreme Com-t of Indiana 
on the Republican ticket. 




C 

GOV. WILFORD B. HOGGATT 

WiLFORD B. HoGGATT, the present Territorial Governor of Alaska, is anotlier example 
to be added to the ah-eady long hst of men, commonly called "self-made." In his early days 
he was given a good education, but his rise in both the business and commercial world, has 
been due to his own efforts. 

At the early age of fourteen, and the youngest member of liis chiss. Governor Hoggatt 
graduated from the Boonville High School, and having done so with first honors, in the face of 
many hardships attending, he was sent to the naval academy at Annapolis, where at the age 
of eighteen, and the youngest member of his class, he graduated with third honors. From Anna- 
polis he attended the Cokunbian University Law School and then the Coliunbia School of Mines. 

Gov. Hoggatt gave eighteen years to the service of his country in the na^'y, which period 
carried him through the Spanish-American War, during which time he had been honored by 
President McKinley who placed him on the Navy Board of Strategy, a position of high responsi- 
biUty. 

After the war was over he retired from the na\y in order that he might engage in the 
mining business in Alaska and become identified with the development of this territory. In 
this new calling he was successful, and soon became recognized as a representative business 
man. Just prexious to his appointment as governor, in 1906, he was postmaster of Jualine, 
Alaska. The first official move of Hoggatt was to change the capital of Alaska from Sitka 
to Juneau, which is more centrally and better commercially located. 

Mr. Hoggatt's appointment came not onlj' as showing the confidences of President Roose- 
velt in him, but also in recognition of the doctrine of home rule, and as such it was appreciated 
by the men who, through their labor and capital, were developing the business interests of every 
portion of tlie territory. Gov. Hoggatt is the brother of Herbert E. Hoggatt of this place. 



Wabrick and Its Prominent People. 



85 



Thomas F. Johnson, a native of Kentucky, was born near Greenville in 1791. His 
education was very meagre, and he worked on his father's farm until the outbreak of the second 
war for Independence, War of 1812. The subject of this sketch enhsted with General Andrew 
Jackson and fought in the memorable battle of New Orleans which took place on January 8, 
1815, and ended the three years' struggle with England. Mr. Johnson returned to his home 
in Kentucky, and five years later was married to a girl of East Tennessee. In 1825 he came 





THOMAS P. JOHNSON 



MRS. THOMAS F. JOHNSON 



to Indiana locating in Gibson County where he resided and tended a farm until the fall of 1836, 
when he removed to Warrick County and located on the old Rathff Boon farm which is situated 
three miles west of Booiualle. He resided here and tended the farm until his death which occurred 
on March 13, 1864. He was a faithful Christian and laid off a portion of his farm on which 
to construct a chm-ch. IVIount Pisgah was founded there by Rev. Benjamin Hall and Israel 
Hemenway. Mrs. Thomas F. Johnson died on December 21, 1863. Mr. Johnson's marriage 
resulted in the birth of nine children, only two of which are living. Miss Mary Johnson of Boon- 
ville, and William Johnson, of Missom-i. An account of the life of John Johnson, a son, will 
be found herein. In pohtics ]Mr. Johnson was a Republican, but was never a candidate for 
a public office. He was a hberal obliging gentleman and was well liked throughout the county. 
Aside from his sterling quaUties, he was very progressive and an enterprising farmer. 



86 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



John Johnson, one of nine children 
born to JVIr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Johnson was 
born September 13, 1828, in Gibson County, 
this state. His father came to Warrick County 
when the subject of this sketch was six years 
old, and settled on the Rathff Boon farm, 
located some three miles west of Boon\'ille 
Young Johnson had little or no opportunities 
to secure an education, but in his maturer 
years studied and read considerably. In 1860 
he entered in business in Boonville with his 
father-in-law, Israel Hemenway, and was one 
of the town's leading citizens. He was indus- 
trious and energetic. Mr. Johnson was married 
to Miss Mary E. Hemenway, a daughter of 
Israel Hemenway, on March 25, 1858. She 
died in 1863 after bearing two children, Ammie 
and Sadie E., both now deceased. He married 
Miss Mariamnia Hemenway, a sister to his 
first wife, on October 2, 1865, and to this union 
six children were born, namely: Maggie B., Chas. H., Jesse E., Katie H., John B., and Robert F. 
All are living but Jesse E. Mr. Johnson's last wife is still hving and is hale and hearty at seventy 
years of age. John Johnson's death occurred on December 20, 1894. The Boonville En- 
quirer, which printed an account of his life, said, "Mr. Johnson has always been known as an 
honest, genial, kind-hearted man. He and his father-in-law, Israel Hemenway, were the chief 
instruments in building the Cumberland Presbjierian Church of this place and he has always 
been one of its most faithful members. To his family he was always one of the best of husbands 
and no father could have been more loving and kind to his children." The death of our subject 
was due to a cancer of the Uver, from which he had suffered intensely several months previous 
to his death. The funeral services were held in the Boonville C. P. Church, Sunday, 10:30 
a. in., December 23rd, conducted by the pastor, assisted by Rev. Ashcraft: and the remains 
were interred at Maple Grove Cemetery. 




JOHN JOHNSON 



Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 



87 




Mrs. John (Hemenway) Johnson was born 
September 12, 1838, being one of ten children born to 
Israel and Hannah (Hall) Hemenway. She secured 
a common school education and at twenty-seven years 
of age married John Johnson. To this union six- 
children were born, names of whom are mentioned in 
the biography of John Johnson. Mrs. Johnson is a 
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 
which was established by Israel Hemenway, her father, 
and also by her husband. The subject of this brief 
sketch resides with her two sons, Chas. H. and Robert 
F. on Fourth Street, and her home is located on 
property formerly owned by her father. 



MRS. JOHN JOHNSON 



Charles H. Johnson was born on August 27, 1869, the 
son of John Johnson and Mariamnia (Hemenway) Johnson. He 
received his education in the Boonville pubUc schools. In 1885 
he entered the Boonville Enquirer office as an apprentice under 
William Swint, and remained there until Mr. Swint's death in 
1893. He continued in the office for several years under G. H. 
Hazen, the present owner of the Enquirer. In January, 1899, 
he entered the Standard office, which was then owned by C. W. 
Bennett and remained there until 1905, acting as editor and mana- 
ger a portion of the time. In December of the same year he 
became identified with the Boonville Republican, a weekly paper 
established sometime previously by Thomas E. Downs, pur- 
chasing a half interest in same. In January, 1906, Messrs. 
Downs and Johnson piu-chased the plant and good will of the 
Boonville Standard, consolidating the Republican and Standard. 

For a short time the paper was known as The RepubUcan-Stantlard, but later the word Repub- 
lican was dropped and the pa{)er is now known as "The Boonville Standard," with Dowais and 
Johnson, publishers. Mr. Johnson occupies the position of business manager in the present 
establishment. 

The subject of this sketch is a prominent RepubUcan. He served as clerk of Boonville 
for four years, from May 1895 to May 1899, and as a member of the town council, from May 
1901 to November 1905, serving in the capacity of president of the council. In 1905 Mr. John- 
son was a candidate for mayor on the Republican ticket, but was defeated by John Heinzle, 
the Democratic candidate, although Heinzle's majority was only forty-seven. 




chas, H. JOHNSON 



88 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



John F. Katterjohn, a native of Hamilton 
County, Ohio, was born December 22, 1843, one 
of eight children born to William and Christina 
(Bierbamn) Katterjohn, who were natives of 
Prussia. The father came to the United States 
about 1837, finding a home first in Virginia, when 
he was married. In 1842 he moved to Cincinnati, 
Ohio, and from there, two j^ears later, to Dubois 
County, Ind., where he remained until 1872, when 
he removed to near Selvin, in this county, where he 
purchased a farm and resided until his death in 
1893. His wife died at the home of the subject of 
this sketch, on May 10, 1904, at the age of eighty- 
three years. Until fifteen years old our subject 
remained with his parents in Dubois County on 

the farm. He then went to Huntingburg and went 
to the city schools in tlie winter time and worked 
at the tanner's trade during the smiimer. Three 
years later he went to Selvin, where he remained 
two years learning the miller's trade. In 1863'he married Miss Elsie Hale, and in the winter 
of tlie same year he left home to fight his country's cause, as a member of Company D, One 
Hundred and Forty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At the end of one year he was honorably 




JOHN F. KATTERJOHN 




THE KATTERJOHN CITY MILL 



discharged, and retui-ning home he purchased mill proi>erty at Newburg, which he operated 
until the fall of 18()7. He then returned to Selvin and engaged in milling there until 1881 when 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



89 



he came to Boonville and purchased the Star Mills, later knowii as the City Mills, and which 
he operated up to the time of his death in 1906. 

Mr. Katterjohn was a lover of his business, and was peculiarly adapted to it. He im- 
proved the Star Mills until it became one of the foremost flouring establishments in this section 
of the country. Milling as carried on by JVIr. Katterjohn was more of a science than a trade, 
and the mills conducted by our subject were knowai to always turn out the finest quality of flour, 
our staple article of food. He was a thorough miller and had made his business a hfe study, 
being, no doubt, the best miller in this section of Indiana. 

In 1882 Mr. Katterjohn was named by the Republican party to act as county chairman, 
and foiu- years later, after having served his party faithfully, he was a candidate for county audi- 
tor, to which office he was elected by a good safe majority. He was a conservative Repubhcan 
and always worked for the best interests of his party. He was recognized in his party ranks 
as an indispensable factor. 

The People's Bank of Boonville was organized through the work of our subject, and he 
became vice-president of same after its organization, which position he held until his death. 
Mr. Katterjolm's predominant trait was honesty, for he thought that "An honest man is the 
noblest work of God." He was a liberal donor to churches and was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church of this place. To his union -s^-ith Miss Elsie Hale, three children were boiii, 
Charles M., Quincy F., and Mrs. A. R. Tweedy. 

The death of our subject occurred on February 21, 1906 at 3 a. m., after an illness of 
several weeks. He lived to be sixty-two years, one month and twenty-nine days of age. Pubhc 
ser^^ces were held at the Cimiberland Presbyterian Church on Friday afternoon, February 23rd 
at two o'clock. Rev. P. C. Lisman and Rev. R. R. Bryan, officiating. The remains were in- 
terred at Maple Grove Cemetery. 




CHAS. M. KATTERJOHN 



Charles M. Katterjohn, the eldest of three 
children born to John F., and Elsie (Hale) Katterjohn, 
was born at Selvin, Warrick County, Indiana, on 
August 14, 1865. His father was the son of William 
and Christina (Bierbaiuu) Katterjohn, who were na- 
tives of Prussia. The father of our subject became 
one of the best and most thorough millers in this sec- 
tion of Indiana, and a sketch regarding his life can be 
found elsewhere. Charles M. Katterjohn received a 
common school education at Selvin. His first occupa- 
tion was an apfwentice in his father's flour mill, but 
this did not suit him and he turned to the Boon\'ille 
Electric Light and Powei Company after his father 
moved to Boonville, and acted as electrician. After 
being employed by that company several years, our 
subject entered the service of the Cumberland Tele- 
phone and Telegrai)h Company and worked himself 
up to the jiosition of Boonville manager. This position 
he held several years, and when his ability as a inanagt r 
was recognized he was placed in charge of the Evans- 
ville District of the Cumberland Company's Unes with 
headquarters in Evansville. His family moved from 
Boonville to Evansville in 1904. He held this position 



90 



Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 



until 1908 when the Evans\ille District was closed by the company, and Mr. Katterjohn became 
a special agent of" the Cuml>erland Company. He was married in 1884 to IVIiss Eva Miller, 
daughter of Lewis Miller, and three children have been born to this union, all girls, namely: 
Ethel, age 21; Hazel, age 20 and Elsie, age 5. Mr. Katterjohn is a member of the following 
fraternal organizations: Elks, Knights of Pjthias, Modern Woodmen and T. P. A. He is 
also a member of the M. E. Church. 




QUINCY P. KATTERJOHN 



QuiNCY F. K.vrrERjoMN, one of three children born to John F. and Elsie (Hale) Katter- 
john, was born at Sehin, Warrick County, Iiid,. on June 18, 1870. He resided with his parents 
at Selvin until eleven years of age when liis father moved to Boonville and purchased the Star 
flouring mill. Quincy secured a common school education, attending school in Boonville, but 
progressed no fiui;her than the eighth grade. After working at various occupations, namely, 
painting, printing and engineering, he turned to the miller's trade, and under his father, became 
an apprentice. He has continued in the milling business ever since, and is now owner of the 
Elkhorn Mills of this place. He became manager of the City Mills ownied by his father, after 
having learned the trade, and held that position until the demise of his father. On Jmie 27, 
190G, our subject purchased the Elkhorn ]Mills, and after reconstructing same, has now one of 



Waerick and Its Prominent People. 



91 



the best equipped floiir mills in this section of the State. He is a thorough miller and under- 
stands the wants and desires of the public by making the finest grade of floiu-, meal and feed 
that can be made with brains and modern machinery. In November, 1889, he was married to 
Miss Corna M. Aust, of Selvin, and to their union, three children have been born, namely: 
Raymond R., Monte M., and Fred F. Mr. Katterjohn resides in a fine new home on the corner 
of Second and Mill streets, just opposite the Elkhorn Mill. He is a Repubhcan in poUtics. 
Mr. and Mrs. Katterjohn are members of the Ben Hur lodge. 



John E. Kelley was born on February 2, 
1870, in Boonville, Warrick County, Ind. He se- 
cured a common school education attending the 
pubUc Schools of Boonville. When about 
ready to complete the grammar grades, he quit 
school to enter the Gough mines near Boon\'ille, 
determined to educate himself regarding the science 
of mining, and to make himself a thorough miner, 
his ambition being to become manager and super- 
intendent of a mine as soon as his knowledge and 
circiuustances would jjermit. At the present time, 
after several years of toilsome efforts, he enjoys 
the distinction of gratifying his youthful ambition, 
being the present superintendent and manager of 
the Big Four Coal Company, which has one of 
the best equipped mines in this section of Indiana. 
The subject of this sketch also has an interest to- 
gether with George P. Nester and INIayor John F. 
Heinzle in this mine. He has held his present 
position for the past fourteen years. Previous to 
his connection with the Big Four Company, he 
operated the old Gough mines. Mr. Kelley has had much experience in opening mines and 
doing mine contract work, and his clear, clean business ways and upright citizenship won the 
office of county commissioner on the second district for him in the campaign of 1908. Mr. 
Kelley is a Repubhcan, and in the campaign mentioned above, he ran far ahead of the other 
candidates on his party's ticket. He was married in 1890 to Miss Emma Hefferlin, to which union 
two boys, twins, have been born, namely, Virgil and Earl. 




JOHN KELLEY 



Sidney B. Hatfield, one of the most prominent members of the Warrick County bar. 
was born in Meade County, Ky., January 30, l^ii, the third of seven children born to William 
and Jane (Debolt) Hatfield. A chronological account of our subject's life is as follows: Gradu- 
ated from University at Bloomington with the degree of "A. M." in 1864; graduated from law 
department of same institution in 1866; elected clerk of the circuit court by Democratic party 
in Perry County, in 1870; in 187-t removed to Boonville and formed partnership with G. H. 
Hazen; elected State Advocate for the Second Judicial District in 1880; re-elected two years 
later; prominent attorney of Boonxille, highly esteemed citizen and enjoys good practice. He 
was married to Flora A. Helton, of Bloomington, Ind., December 6, 1866, and six children have 
been born to this union, two sons, Frank H. and William S., following their father's vocation. 



92 



Warrick aad Its Prominent People. 




REV. P. C LISMAN 



Rev. p. C. Lisjlvn, son of William and 
Martha (Padgett) Lisman was born in Sullivan 
County, Ind., March 3, 1866. He secured an ex- 
cellent education, completing the grammar grades, 
the high school course and also attended college at 
Depauw University, Greencastle, Ind. Our sub- 
ject entered the M. E. Conference at W^ashington, 
Ind., on September 16, 1891, and his first appoint- 
ment as a Methodist minister was at Merom, Ind. 
Since then he has filled appointments at Alfords- 
ville, Newberry, Shoals, Oakland City and Posey- 
ville, all of Indiana. Rev. Lisman was appointed 
minister of the Main Street Methodist Episcopal 
Church in 1905 and came here that year. He was 
very influential in securing the new church building, 
and Avas the first pastor to preach therein. Rev. 
Lisman was married June 21 , 1893, to Miss Nora B. 
Barnhill, of Salineville, Ohio. Two children 
have resulted from this union, namely, Ruth 
and Helen. Rev. Lisman is a member of the 
Mason lodge. 



Robert J. Derr, one of nine children born 
to John Derr and Mary (Fehn) Derr, was born at 
Tell City, Ind., in Perry County on April 2, 1875. 
He attended school in Tell City until he was four- 
teen years old, when his father sold his business 
and moved to Boonville. Here, his father began 
the manufacture of soft drinks and cigars and was 
assisted by his son, and he is now pai-t o\vner in 
the BoonAille Bottling Works and the Derr Cigar 
Factory. The brands of goods turned out by 
tliese two establishments are well known in tliis 
section of the State, the result of much time and 
work on the part of the subject of this sketch. He 
was married October 7, 1903, to Miss Annice Cox, 
daughter of Mr. and IMrs. Benjamin Cox, and they 
reside in a beautiful home on Fourth Street. One 
cliild has been born to their union, a girl, named 
Mary Janet. He is a pojiular member of the 
B. P. O. E. No. 116, of Evansville, and is one of 
the three managers of the W. O. W. of Boonville, 
in which order he takes an active part. In politics 
he is a staunch Republican and in the campaign of 
1908 was elected clerk of the Warrick Circuit Court 

over his opponent by a large majority. He is a leading citizen of Boonville and 
said that he is one of the towns' most promising young men. 




ROBERT J, DERR 



it ntigiit l)f 



Warrick .■vnd Its Prominent People 



93 




MARION POLSOM 



Marion Foi.som was born December 12, 1853, on his father's farm three miles northeast of 
Boonville, the farm being known now as the "Jimmy Goad farm." His education was secured 
through the common schools. While Marion was quite young, Benjamin Folsom, his father, 
moved to Folsom ville, or what is now known as Folsomville, and there Marion worked for his 
father in the summer, attending school during the winter months. He married Miss Laura A. 
Shryock, of Folsomville, on May 2, 1872, and to that union foiu- children were born, of which 
Lenpha A., of Boonville, and Lucy C, of Gulf port. Miss., are living. ]VIi-. FoLsom engaged 
in the merchandise business at Folsomville in 1872, besides being interested in farming. Eight 
years later he was appointed postmaster, and after serving four years was trustee of Owen town- 
ship in 1886. He was re-elected upon the expiration of his first term and served until 1890. 
In 1898 he was elected auditor of W^arrick County and served until 1903. On April 3, 1903, 
he was appointed U. S. Immigrant Inspector under the Department of Commerce and Labor, 
and was stationed at Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. In January, 1904, he was transferred to Mata- 
moros, Mexico. In September of the same year he was transferred to Windsor, Canada. In 
December, 1906, he was sent to Gulfport, Miss., and in May of the following year changed to 
Niagara Falls, N.Y. In September, 1907, he was transferred to Detroit, Mich., at which station 
he remained until January, 1908, when he was again transferred to Gulfport, Miss., and which 
is his present location. On January 31, 1876, Tempa Lodge No. 521, I. O. O. F. was organ- 



94 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



ized in Folsomville and Mr. Folsom was one of the charter members. In August of the same 
year he became a member of Strangers' Rest, No. ^240, F. & A. M. Lodge of this place. In 
August, 1890, he moved his stock to Boonville, and in January, 1895, his business was com- 
pletely destroyed by fire. His store was known as the F. M. B. A. store of Boonville. The 
subject of this sketch is a Methodist in belief, but has been a liberal donor to all churches. In 
politics, he is a "Republican of the Old School." He is also a member of the Modern Wood- 
men and Ben Hur fraternal organizations. 



Thomas E. Downs was born at Boonville, 
Ind., December 24, 1868, the fifth of eight children 
born to Capt. Thos. J. Downs and IVIrs. Lydia 
(Williams) Downs. The subject of this sketch at- 
tended the public school until thirteen years of age, 
when he entered the office of the Boonville Standard 
as an apprentice. He remained there only a short 
time, however, and secured a position in the job 
rooms of the Evansville Journal Co. For several 
succeeding years he held various positions in job 
printing offices at Evansville, and at eighteen years 
of age he became the editor and foreman of the 
Huntingburg Argus. A few years later he held a 
foremanship in the Louisville Courier-Journal job 
rooms. At the breaking out of the Spanish-American 
War, iNIr. Downs was foreman of a big job printing 
office at Evansville, from which position he resigned 
and enhsted as a regular for service in Cuba and 
served during the war. At the expiration of his 
first enUstment, he re-enlisted for Phillipine ser\ace 
and served as a regular for three years. He reached the rank of sergeant-major, the highest 
position accorded an enlisted man He returned to Boonville and in May, 1904, established 
The Republican, a weekly newspaper. In the fall of 1905 he formed a partnership with C. H. 
Johnson, and a few months later tlie new firm purchased The Standard, the old established 
Repul)lican organ of Warrick County. The two plants were consolidated, the paper now being 
known as The Standard. IVIr. Downs is editor of The Standard and also looks after the me- 
chanical end of the concern, his partner having charge of the business department. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was married to Miss MilUe Kindermann, of Boonville, in May, 1907, and 
the couple now reside in their own home, a beautiful five-room bungalow, on one of the principal 
residence streets of Boonville. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and Court of Honor lodges, 
and is a past captain of the Sons of Veterans, a patriotic organization. 




THOS E, DOWNS 



Hon. Benoni S. Fuller, deceased, a native of Warrick County, Ind., and a man whose 
name and public life are extensively and favorably known throughout southwestern Indiana 
was born November 13, 1825. His father was Isham Fuller who immigrated to Indiana in 



Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 95 




1816 and for several years served Warrick County in the Indiana Legislature. School teaching 
is the opening chapter in the active life of Benoni Fuller, next was sheriff of Warrick County, 
and then for several years represented the county in the State Legislature, and in 1874 was 
elected to the National Congress, and again in 1876. He was a Democrat in all senses of the 
word; was an intelligent and cajiable man. He died several years ago in Boonville, an example 
of the old saying, "Politics doesn't pay," being penniless at the time. aUhough he served his people 
well, and for years was one of the most prominent figures in politics that Indiana has ever pro- 
duced. 



J. Frank Cady, one of eight children born to 
George W. Cady and Mary (Miller) Cady, was born 
September 21, 1874, at Oakland City, Ind., Pike 
County, where he resided with his parents until eight 
years old. In 188''2 his jmrents moved to Boonville 
where the subject of this sketch attended school a 
portion of the time, working in the tobacco factory 
dming the tobacco season. His father died in 1885. 
In 1892 he entered the photographic studio of W. C. 
Hunton of this place as an apprentice, where he re- 
PRANK CADY mained for three and a half years. In 1896 he opened 

a studio in Boonville for himself, the studio being the only ground floor studio in this section 
of the State. The studio was ojiened at the present location on First Street where he has been 
ever since. The subject of this sketch is very prominent in Photographers' Conventions, and 
in 1907 and 1908 was Secretary of the Indiana Association of Photographers. At the present 
time he is serving in the capacity of President of this Association. He has carried off various 
awards and medals at the District, Southern Indiana, State and National Conventions, and 
has been awarded more certificates of merit than any other jjhotographer in the State. In 
pohtics, Mr. Cady is a Prohibitionist and is an earnest worker in the cause of his party. He 
is a member of the Ben Hur and Knights of Pythias fraternal organizations. He is a member 
of the Missionary Baptist Church. He was married in 1897 to Miss Katie Hall Johnson, to 
which union, five children have been born, three of which are living, namely: George, age nine; 
John, age seven, and Grace, age foiu-. 



Charles F. Picker, deceased, for many years one of Boonville's most progressive mer- 
chants, was a native of Germany, his birth occurring on the sixteenth day of August, 1843. He 
was the eldest of two children born to Charles F. and Louisa (Lucking) Picker, who emigrated 
from the old country to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1845 where the father died four years later. 

Charles F. Picker, Jr., the subject of this biographical sketch, was reared and educated 
in Cincinnati, and at the age of eighteen years he enlisted in Company C, Sixteenth Regiment 
of United States Infantry, serving his coimtry faithfully three years. Our subject was in several 
famous campaigns of the late war, and his fighting career is one that deserves much praise and 
credit. 

After the war Mr. Picker was employed by a New Albany wholesale dry goods house as 
travehng salesman, a position he retained for twelve years. In 1876 he located permanently 
in Boonville and embarked in the dry goods and general merchandise business, which business 
he conducted with success up to the time of his death, which occurred on July 12, 1905. 



96 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 




CHARLES F. PICKBK 

]VIr. Picker was married to Miss Carrie H. Hill, of I^ouisville, Ky., on the 1st of April, 
1865, and by her was the father of three sons, Frank, Carl antl Bert, and two daughters, Floy 
and IVIrs. Claire Hargrave. ISIrs. Picker died ten years before her husband, her death occurring 
on July 28, 189o. 

The subject of this sketch was one of the most prominent of Boonville citizens, being 
connected with the Boonville schools for many years and being a man whose interest was in the 
welfare of his town. He was esteemed for his strict integrity and he attained a popularity and 
reputation among his fellow citizens which lives after him. He was a menilier of tJie Masonic 
brotherhood. INIrs. Picker was a member of the INIethodist EjMscopal Church. 



Union W. Youngblood, the subject of this sketch is next to the youngest child of William 
B. Youngblood, a well known farmer of Warrick County, and was born September 4, 1872. 
He assisted his father on the farm and received a common sciiool education, and attended the 
Boonville High School, but before graduation therefrom in the Autumn of 1891 began teaching 
school. In the spring of 1892, he took a course in business training and stenography at Hay- 



Wakrick and Its Prominent People. 97 

ward College, Fairfield, Illinois. During the winter of 1892 and 1893 he again taught a dis- 
trict school, but before the close of the term he became seriously ill with chronic dysentery and 
lingered in the shadow-land between hfe and death, a mere shadow himself, for four years, and 
tlien slowly recovered. During the school year of 1897 and 1898 he served as one of the first 
two truant officers of Warrick County, making his rounds during fair weather. During the 
summer of 1898 he organized lodges for the tribe of Ben Hur, one at Chandler, Ind., and one at 
IVtosky, Mich., where he had gone for his health. In the Fall of the same year he returned to 
tliis county, and feeling sufficiently recovered from his long illness, began the study of law in 
tlie office of James R. Wilson, at Boonville. At that time he did not have a dollar to his name 
nor did he own any property, but was in debt several hundred dollars. His only asset was his 
determination to be a lawyer and during the next two years he studied law and worked at various 
jobs by turns in order to pay his board while studying. In the spring of 1900 he went to Sioux 
Falls, S. D., for his health, and during that summer was employed as a law clerk in the law 
oflice of J. W. Boyce at that place. Returning to Warrick county that fall he again organized 
lodges for the Tribe of Ben Hur, one at FolsomAille and one at Heilman, in Warrick County, 
and on the first day of January, 1901, formed a law partnership with his old preceptor, James R. 
Wilson, which lasted until he was elected Procecuting Attorney in 190'-2 for the vSecond Judicial 
Circuit, composed of the counties of Warrick, Spencer and Perry. This Circuit was considered 
safely democratic and Mr. Youngblood was the first rejiublican that liad been elected to that 
office for many years. His administration of the office was noted for his fearless prosecution 
of gamblers and violators of the liquor laws. After the end of his term of office he continued 
the practice of laAV until January 25, 1906, when he was appointed private secretary to the Comp- 
troller of the Treasury of the United States. He moved his family to Washington, D. C, and 
served in that capacity till November, 1908, when he returned to Boonville, formed a law part- 
nership with Marshall R. Tweedy, and is now engaged in the practice of law. W'hile in Wash- 
ington, D. C, Mr. Youngblood took a course in the evening sessions of the Law School of the 
National University, receiving the degree of Bachelor-of-Laws from that institution. He has 
always been a great reader and a hard-working student and is now one of the leafiing attorneys 
of the Boonville bar. 

In 1901 Mr. Youngblood was married to Bernice Youngblood, a daughter of John W^ 
Youngblood, her mother being a daughter of Johnson Taylor, deceased. To them have been 
born one daughter, Maurine, and two sons, WilUam and Hyatt. 

When asked for a biographical sketch, Mr. M. H. Lockyear, of 
Evansville, said "Yes, I am a Warrick County product and glad of it. 
I was born in Cam)il)ell Township. This happened about forty-three 
years ago. I lived there until I was seventeen years of age. I am 
the son of John Lockyear. My father died when I was fourteen years old. 
When I left the farm, our immediate neighbors were Webb Mitchem, 
Stoermer, Gander, Fisher, Engel, Smith and Claridge. I attended school 
at what was then called the Putler School House. My teachers were Levi 

M H LOCKYEAR. 

Lockyear, I^esUe Trusler, Alvin Powers, J. M. Birchfield, Rad Moore and 
Miss Florence Puett. I also attended a Spring Normal conducted by Alvin Powers about two 
miles east of Lynn\'ille. I then went to Evansxalle and attended the Evansville Commercial 
College. I took a course in bookkeeping and ornamental penmanship. I guess I might say 
that whatever I had in the way of a start, began at that time, as this com-se had much to do with 
shaping my life's work. What I have been doing since then is pretty well known throughout 
Southern Indiana." 

Mr. Lockyear is an ex{iert accountant of recognized ability. He is president of Lock- 




98 



Wahrick and Its Prominent People. 



year's Business Collef>;e and one of the leading business educators in this country, and at this 
time is president of the National Commercial Teachers' Federation, an organization consisting 
of over six hundred business school proprietors and teachers. 



A,\RON Wilson, a native of Russel County, Ky. , 
and the youngest in a family of nine children born to 
James and Elizabeth (Fox) Wilson, was born March 18, 
1827. His father was a native of Virginia, moved to 
Russel County, Ky., when twenty-five years old and 
from there, in 1858, removed to Warrick County, Ind., 
locating on a farm in Lane Township, where he resided 
until his death, September 21, 1873. His mother was 
a native of North Carolina and April 28, 1863, died in 
this county. Mr. Wilson married Martha Stephenson 
f.)r his second wife, now deceased. Aaron Wilson had 
l)ut little or no educational advantages in boyhood, 
l)ut after arriving at maturity, read and studied until 
lie became the possessor of a practical education. 
Coming to this counti-y with his father he bought land 
in Ijane Township where he lived fourteen years. 
Early in 1873 he moved to what is now known as tiie 
Aaron Wilson farm. He was one of Warrick County's 
best farmers, and his farm was always well stocked and 
November 5, 1846, he wedded Catherine Warner, who 
died May 3, 1853, after bearing three children, all deceased. To his marriage with Taliitha 
Bowling, which was solemnized iNIarch 2, 1854, three children were born, only one now living. 
The mother died Marcli 25, 1860. INIargaret Flynn, his third wife, to whom he was wedded 
September 28, 1863, bore liim one child, and died March 31, 1880. November 22, 1882, he 
married Dora Cromeans, and by her was the father of two children, a daughter and son, the 
daughter is now dead. His last wife died a few years preAious to our subject's death which 
occurred in 1896. Mr. Wilson was a Democrat in politics, a believer in the Baptist faith. 

Author's Note — Mrs. John Ehsha Madden, of Boon\'ille, ISIrs. Dorsey Reed, also of 
Boonville, and Aaron Wilson, of Evansville, are the three children of Aaron Wilson, who are 
now hving. 




AARON WILSON 



kept in an excellent state of cultivation. 



Benjamin Folsoii. — The word "Pioneer" always suggests to our minds hardy manhood, 
strength of mind and body, romance and daring, and the story of pioneer days of Warrick County 
would lack considerable with the sturdy, progressive personality of Benjamin Folsom omitted. 
His early life was not lacking in romance. Born in New York State, ]May 16, 1826, and at the 
age of nine years he was Ijrought to Warrick County liy a family who hatl taken a great fancy 
to the young lad and his adventurous spirit at that early age prompted him to leave his home and 
family and seek his young fortune farther West. This Vermont family settled north of Boon- 
ville where young Folsom grew uji industrious and energetic and having arrived at young man- 
hood's estate, he begun preparing to make a home for a future bride. Like many other 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 99 

pioneers this young man, being deprived of books and school, relied on his common sense and 
physical strength, and so he literally carved his futm-e out of the forests and earned the title to 
his first forty acres by cutting cordwood on the Ohio, and in October, 1849, was married to 
Miss Nancy A. Youngblood. 




BENJAMIN FOLSOM 



In 1856 they purchased and removed to a farm in Owen township, where for the growing 
settlement, he secured a postoffice and laid out the village known as Folsomville. 

Mr. Folsom was a man of deeds and his {)rogressive spirit was shown by his introduction 
«>f the first large flouring mill and carding machine in his locahty. It was before the days of a 
railroad to Boonville. The hauUng of this heavy machinery over land from Evansville was a great 
hardshij), and such an enterprise in an undeveloped country was a great risk, but the trans- 
portation, erection and operation was a success under IVIr. Folsom's management and a great 
convenience to the entire covmtry. He was also a partner with other progressive gentlemen 
of his community in bringing the first steam thresher into his neighborhood. 

His versatility is shown in his management of a general merchandise business, and the 
supervision of a large tract of land in connection with his other interests. 

His useful but brief life closed April 6, 1875, at the age of forty-nine years. His widow, 
Nancy A., and four children, Marion, Mary J., John T., and Ephraim M. still survive him. 



100 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 




MELVILLE MCELVAINE RANKIN 



Melville McElvaine Raxkix, son of 
Josiah E. and Mary M. Rankin, was l)oin at 
Mt. Horeb, Tenn. He is of Scotch-Iiisli desc eiit. 

He graduated from Maiyville Colleije, 
IVnnessee, receiving the degree of Bachelor of 
Arts, in 1888; • graduated from Lane Presby- 
teiian Tlieological Seminary, Cincinnati. Ohio, 
ISf)-!; licensed to preach in 1893 and ordained 
to tlie ^Missionary in the Cumberland Momi- 
taius for one year in 1888-1889; was elected 
|)rin(ipal of Huntsville Academy, Tenn., and 
served for two years, 1888-1891; was ])astor 
at Mason, O., two years beginning 189(5; was 
pastor at Bright, Ind., four years beginning 
1898; was chosen singing evangehst by the 
(ieneral Assembly's Connnittee in 19()'-2; be- 
came pastor at Rockport, Ind., in 190,'}; was 
chosen })astor at Boonville in the fall of 1907. 

Rev. Rankin was married to ^liss Erie 
Brown, daughter of Rev. Wm. B. and Mary E. 
Brown, of ]Maryville, Tenn., in 1889. Mr. 
and Mrs. Rankin have four children, IMelvillc 
Bliss, Mary Lena, Erie Brown and Myron 
McElvaine. 




FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. M. M. RANKIN, PASTOR 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



101 



111 coinu-ctioii with tliis sketc-h the author received from Rev. M. M. Rankin a short his- 
tory of I'reshyteriaiiisin in Warrick County, which is pubhshed below. 

The first Presbyterian Church or<fanize(l in Warrick County was the New Hope Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church located five miles northwest of Boonville, in IS'-Zo. The Newburg 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized in 1831. The Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., 
was organized in Boonville in 1838, composed of a colony of Pennsylvanians which afterward 
moved west and the church ceased to exist. In 1839 a Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., was or- 
ganized in the IVIcKinney community five miles southwest of Boonville by Pennsylvanians. 
The membership went into the Cumberland Church which was organized many years later at 
Townsend. In 184'2 the Pisgah Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized three miles 
west of Boonville. In 1866 a part of the Pisgah congregation living in Boonville built the church 
located at the corner of Sycamore and Fourth streets, and in 1875 organized the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church of Boonville. The Cumberland Presbyterian Chm-ches at Chandler, 
i\Iillersl)urg and Townsend were organized in 1893. 

During the years of 1903 and 1906 a union being consummated by the General Assemblies 
of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., and Cumberland Church, these are known as Presby- 
terian Churches in the United States of America. The first Presbyterian Church of Boonville 
is well equipped in every department and has become a strong and influential congregation. 
A sketch of the present pastor, Rev. Melville M. Rankin, appears above. The Session is com- 
posed of the following ruling elders: Benjamin E. Hemenway, James Clarke, J. Robt. Wilkin- 
son, E. A. Wilson, John Gray and L. W. Owens. 



John Lenhart Downs, the youngest of five sons 
born to Captain Thomas J. (deceased) and Lydia M. 
Downs, was born in Boonville, Ind., on April 9, 1875. 
Our subject's father was born in Ohio county, Kentucky, 
in 1834, and came to Boonville in 1855. In the Civil War 
he distinguished himself as a leader of the Union forces, 
and among others, participated in battles at Wise Fork, 
North Carohna, and also at Atlanta, Nashville and 
Franklin. Thomas J. was married to Miss Lydia M. 
Wilhams on January 1, 1857. 

"Len" Downs' education was received in the pub- 
lic schools of Boonville, Evansville and Hnntingburg, Ind. 
When he was fifteen years of age he received the appoint- 
ment of As.sistant Postmaster at Boonville under Charles M. 
Hammond, who served during President Harrison's ad- 
ministration. He held this position until 1893. Four 
years later he was appointed to the stafi' of the Congressional I^ibrarian at Washington, D. C, 
and has continued to serve in that capacity ever since. He has received several promotions, 
and is now a chief of division in the Copyright Department of the Congressional Library. During 
the years of 1900 and 1901 he studied law in Columbia University, Washington, D. C, together 
with performing his duties in the Library of Congress. 

Our subject is a staunch Republican, and in May, 1904, together with his brother, Thomas 
E. Downs, the present editor of the Boonville Standard, he launched the Boonville Repubhcan 
a paper tending to advocate the principles of the Republican party. The Republican later 
consolidated with the Boonville Standard and is now known by that name. Mr. Downs was 
married on March 4, 1908, to Miss Jewell Crooks, a highly accomphshed young lady of Wash- 
ington. Mr. and Mrs. Downs move in the best musical circles of Washington, the former being 




JOHN LENHART DOWNS 



102 



Warrick axd Its Promixext People. 



tlic tenor soloist in one of the principal cliurclies, and the latter conducts a studio for the teachinj;; 
of the piano. 

Mr. Downs is a member of the Loyal Legion by virtue of his descent from an officer 
of the U. S. Army. 



Thomas W. Lixdsey, one of the most 
jirominent members of the bar of this section of 
the State, was born on February 28, 1867. He is 
the son of Thomas J. Lindsey and Jane (Crow) 
Lind.sey. He was born on his father's farm in 
Owen Township, and grew to manhood on the 
farm. His early education was secureii from the 
connnon schools. He farmed for his father for a 
few years and then struck out for Kansas where he 
taught school. From Kansas he went to Missouri 
w here he followed the same vocation, but all during 
the whilf he was reading law and endeavoring to 
Ijecome a lawyer. In May, li^92, our subject 
opened a law office in Cannelton and remained 
there until 1891. when he removed to Boonville 
where he continued to practice his profession until 
January, 1908, when he opened up an office in 
Evansville. 

When the second judicial district was com- 
posed of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, 
Mr. Lindsey was elected prosecutor, serving two 
terms, from 1896 to 1898, and from 1898 to 1900. 
He was elected on the Democratic ticket. During 
his term of office as prosecutor, Mr. Lin<lsey stood 

by law and order and gained the entire satisfaction of the public. He was foremost in the great 

Keith-Kifer murder case, and sent Joseph D. Keith to the gallows for murdering his illicit love, 

Nora Kifer. He is also a prominent damage suit lawj'er, and generally wins his cases. 

Oiu" subject was married on November 28, 1888, to Katie Fisher, now deceased; married 
a second time to Blanch Fisher on August 4, 1890, now deceased, and in December, 1892, was 
married to Ida Cissel, his present wife, at Cannelton, Ind. His children are as follows: Isola C, 
Bertram G.,Esther M., Ellis M. (the last two mentioned are twins), and Thomas W., Jr. 

Mr. Lindsey in 1904 realized that the principles of the Democratic party were not his 
principles, and turned to the Republican fold, which political party he recognized as endorsing 
his principles. He is an earnest worker, and his work was in evidence in the camjiaign of 1908. 
He is an able speaker and not only appeared in different parts of this State, but spoke in Missouri 
as well. He is a member of the Ben Hur, Knights of Honor, Knights of Pythias and Wood- 
men of the World fraternal organizations. 




THOMAS W, LINDSEY 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



103 



Raymond Scai>es, the second of eight children 
born to John L. and India (Bass) Scales, was born in 
Warrick County, Ind., November 28, 1875. His 
father removed from Pike County to Warrick, locating 
in T^ane Towmship. The subject of this sketch re- 
ceived a common school education, and at the termina- 
tion of his school days, turned to farming, in which 
vocation he continued for many years. He was a 
thorough and efficient farmer and was considered by 
all who knew him when on the farm, as one of the best. 

Mr. Scales was selected by Sheriff Edward 
Ward to act as his dejjuty, and his excellent work in 
this capacity brought his name before the jiubhc, and 
in 1906, he was elected sheriff of the coimty on the 
Democratic ticket. Again in the fall of 1908 he was 
elected to the shrievalty defeating his opponent, ex- 
Chief of Pohce of Boonville, Robert Wilhams, by a 
large majority. Since his election as sheriff", Mr. 
Scales has made arrests in some of the most famous 
cases of the day, and is an officer of iron nerve. It 

might be said that there is no man who is better fitted for the position which our subject holds, 
than Rajanond Scales. 

Mr. Scales was married in 1896 to Miss Dora Erwin. She died the following year, after 
giving birth to one child, a girl, Florence. He was married to his present wife on December 3 
1906. Mr. Scales is a memlier of the Modern Woodmen of America, Woodmen of the World 
aiid Odd Fellow fraternal organizations. 




RAYMOND SCALES 



104 Warrick and Its Prominent People. 




MAYOR JOHN F HEINZLE 

Mayor John F. Heinzle, son of John G. and Elizabeth (Hahn) Heinzle, Avas born 
at Troy, Ind., November 16, 1866. His parents came to this country from Germany wliilc 
very young. The education of our subject was received in the common schools of Perry count}'. 
In 1880 he entered the jewelry store of Fred C. Hahn, and after three years' study purchased 
the store from the Hahn heirs. He continued in the jewelry business in Rockport in which 
place he had located until December, 1903, when he moved his store to Boonville where he had 
located some three years previously. The store is now known as the Heinzle-N ester Jewelry 
Store and is one of the best known businesses in Boonville. 

In 1905 Mr. Heinzle was elected Mayor of Boonville on the Democratic ticket over 
Ghas. H. Johnson, Republican, by forty-seven majority. Since his election to that ])osition 
he has filled the office in a creditable manner. He is Boonville's first mayor. 

Mr. Heinzle is secretary and treasurer of the Big Four Goal Gompany of this j)lace, and 
has considerable interest in the concern. He is a member of the following fraternal organizations: 
Ma.sons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen. 

Mr. Heinzle was married on July 8, 189-i, at Rockport, Ind., to Miss Katie E. Nester, 
of that place. They reside on East Main Street in a beautiful home. 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 



1();5 




MRS. JOHN F. HEINZLE 



Mrs. John F. Heinzle, nee Katie E. Nester, was born at Newbiirgh, Ind., September 
6, 1870, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Nester. In 1894 she married John F. Heinzle at 
Rockport where they resided for several years. They moved to Boonville in 1900 and have 
resided here ever since. 



WAV 17 1909 



106 



Warrick and Its Prominent People. 




and Ju 
Family, 
and clii 



Rev. Gustavus E. Hiller, D. D., Superin- 
tendent of the Louisv-ille District of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, comprising tiie German churches 
of Kentucky and Southern Indiana, was born in 
Germany, March 25, 1852. He came to the United 
States when but two years old, locating at Chicago, 
two years later removing to Minnesota. He was edu- 
cated in the State University of Minnesota and German 
Wallace College at Berea, Ohio, of which institution 
he is now a trustee. Rev. Hiller entered the ministry 
in 187.'3; received the degree of Doctor of Divinity 
from DePauw University in 1908. He has filled ap- 
pointments at Louisville, Ky., Covington, Ky., Toledo, 
Ohio, MinneapoUs, Minn., and also at many other 
places. He came to Warrick County several years 
ago, where he Uved on the farm for a few years. He 
moved to Boonville in the fall of 1908. 

Rev. Hiller was married to Miss Adelaide 

Diffor in 1875 at MinneapoUs, Minn. They have six 

children, namely, Mrs. Rev. E. Holzapfel, of Bates- 

ville, Ind., and Minnie, Florence, Rembrandt, Alvin 

lia. Since living at Boonville, Rev. Hiller has written a notable book, "The Christian 

which is a treatise of timely topics. This book should be read by every man, woman 

Id the country over, being a sj)lendid writing of its kind. 



rev. gustavus e hiller. d d. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 753 305 6 



I . .1 ■ 



/ ,1 



